[Verse 1]
Here we are, static in the latter half
Of the twentieth century
But it might as well be the Middle Ages
There'll have to be some changes
But how they'll come about foxes me

[Chorus]
I want the future now
I want to hold it in my hands;
I want a reason to be proud
I want the Promised Land

[Verse 2]
But that doesn't seem to get any closer
And Moses has had his day...
The tablets of law are an advertising poster
Civilisation here to stay
And this is progrеss? Well, you must be joking!
Me, I'm looking for any kind of hopе

[Chorus]
And I want the future now
I want to see it on the screen
All men equal and breaking bounds
That make our lives so mean
[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
Oh, blind, blinded, blinding hatred
Of race, sex, religion, colour, country and creed
These scream from the pages of everything I read
You just bring me oppression and torture
Apartheid, corruption and plague;
You just bring me the rape of the planet
And joke world rights at the Hague
Someday the Millennium!
But how far is someday away?

[Chorus]
When I want the future now
I'm young, but it's my right
I want a reason to be proud
I want to see the light

[Chorus]
I want the future now
I want to see it on the screen
All men equal and unbowed
Make life worth more than dreams