[JON]
Why do we play with fire?
Why do we run our finger through the flame?
Why do we leave our hand on the stove
Although we know we're in for some pain?

Oh, why do we refuse to hang a light
When the streets are dangerous?
Why does it take an accident
Before the truth gets through to us?

Cages or wings?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds
Fear or love, baby?
Don't say the answer
Actions speak louder than words

Why should we try to be our best
When we can just get by and still gain?
Why do we nod our heads

[JON & ROGER]
Although we know

[ROGER]
The boss is wrong as rain?
[JON]
Why should we blaze a trail
When the well-worn path seems safe and

[JON & KARESSA]
So inviting?

[KARESSA]
How, as we travel

[JON & KARESSA]
Can we see the dismay
And keep from fighting?

[JON, (ROGER & KARESSA)]
Cages or wings? (Cages or wings?)
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds

[ALL]
Fear or love, baby
Don't say the answer

[JON, (ROGER & KARESSA)]
Actions speak louder than words
(Louder than, louder than)
[JON]
What does it take
To wake up a generation?

[ALL]
How can you make someone
Take off and fly?

[JON, ALL]
If we don't wake up
And shake up the nation
We'll eat the dust of the world
Wonderin' why, why

[KARESSA]
Why do we stay with lovers
Who we know, down deep
Just aren't right?
Why would we rather

[ALL]
Put ourselves through hell
Than sleep alone at night?

[JON]
Why do we follow leaders who never lead?
[ROGER]
Why does it take catastrophe to start a revolution?

[ROGER & KARESSA]
If we're so free
Tell me why?

[JON]
Someone tell me why
So many people bleed?

[JON, (ROGER & KARESSA)]
Cages or wings? (Cages or wings?)
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds

[ALL]
Fear or love, baby
Don't say the answer

[JON, (ROGER & KARESSA)]
Actions speak louder than—
(Louder than, louder than, louder than, louder than)

[ALL]
Cages or wings?
Which do you prefer?

[JON, (ROGER & KARESSA)]
Ask the birds (Ah)

[ALL]
Fear or love, baby?
Don't say the answer

[JON, (ROGER & KARESSA)]
Actions speak louder—
(Louder than, louder than)
They speak louder—
(Louder than, louder than)
Actions speak louder than—