Verse 1
Granddad said, “Use the good Lord’s wisdom,
Call a wrong a wrong and right a right.”
But good folks started minding their own business
While the troublemakers worked all night.
We watched the gate but never tried to close it,
Saw the smoke and said, “It’ll be all right.”
Now the weeds are growing through the garden,
And the darkness keeps crowding out the light.
Chorus
Common sense won’t save itself,
Good intentions need some help.
When good people do nothing,
Evil gets the upper hand.
So speak the truth and lend a hand,
Put some courage where you stand.
Common sense won’t save itself—
It takes good folks taking a stand.
Verse 2
You can shake your head across the supper table,
You can say, “Somebody ought to make it right.”
But somebody is every decent neighbor
Who can carry one small candle through the night.
Evil doesn’t always come in thunder;
Sometimes it just slips in through the door.
While the good stay quiet in the corner,
It keeps taking just a little more.
Chorus
Common sense won’t save itself,
Good intentions need some help.
When good people do nothing,
Evil gets the upper hand.
So speak the truth and lend a hand,
Put some courage where you stand.
Common sense won’t save itself—
It takes good folks taking a stand.
Bridge
You don’t have to shout in anger,
You don’t have to raise your fist.
Just refuse to call it harmless
When you know that something’s missed.
Vote, pray, help your neighbor
Teach your children right from wrong.
A thousand ordinary voices
Make a mighty country song.
Piano Break
Final Chorus
Common sense won’t save itself,
Put that fear back on the shelf.
When good people start moving,
Evil has to lose its ground.
Stand for truth and lend a hand,
Plant your feet and make a stand.
Common sense won’t save itself—
But good folks can turn this thing around.
Yes, common sense won’t save itself—
So let’s quit waiting and stand our ground.
Outro
Light the lamp and ring the bell,
Raise the truth for all to hear.
When good people stand together,
Evil doesn’t stand a chance here.