Song Lyrics

"Right Here In America"

by Larry Norman
Album: Street Level CD Re-Release (2005)

There are Christians in Russia, they meet underground,
In China they're killed when they're found.
And in Cuba the Christians live up in the hills
Because it's not safe in the towns.

And to think it might happen right here in America,
I know you think it's not true,
But it's happening to Christians right here in America,
Wait 'til it happens to you.

The Christians in Berkeley are passing out Bibles
And food to the hungry
They're hoping to help out the people this way.
But there are threats of the lives
Of their leaders and wives,
They're not welcome to stay.

And to think it might happen right here in America,
Maybe you think it's not true,
If you it's not happening to Christians right here in America,
Wait 'til it happens to you.

There's an underground church and it's following Jesus
And hoping to meet people's needs
But we don't have the time to build nice little churches,
Besides we don't need to -
We're holding our church in the streets.

And we are passing out leaflets and underground pamphlets
From Buffalo to Monterey
And we're talkin' 'bout Jesus and all of a sudden
We're arrested and taken away.

So I ask you, America, where do you stand'
Your people are starving, they're beaten and they're raped
And they're dying in jail cells, so what are your plans'
I'm not talking to congress or you politicians
Or Panthers or Muslims or Nixon or Birch,
I'm addressing this song to the church.

'Cause I've been in your churches and sat in your pews
And heard sermons on just how much money you'll need for the year.
And I've heard you make reference to Mexicans, Chinamen,
Niggers and Jews
And I gather you wish we would all disappear.

And you call yourselves Christians, when really you're not,
You're living your life as you please.
If you're really a Christina, then put down yourself
And follow wherever God leads.

I'm not talkin' religion, I'm talkin' 'bout Jesus,
Put all your plans on the shelf,
Let's stop marching for peace, and start marching for Jesus
And peace will take care of itself.

Well, I pray that we Christians will get off our sofas
And stand up for what we believe
The time is too short, and Christ is returning
We'd better get ready to leave.

We who are Christians should turn on the light,
So the truth will shine bright as the day
Jesus will come like a thief in the night,
And he'll steal all who love him away.

There are Christians in Russia, they meet underground,
In China they're killed when they're found.
And in Cuba the Christians live up in the hills
Because it's not safe in the towns.

And to think it might happen right here in America,
I see you shaking your heads and I hear you saying
It just can't be true.
But it's happened to me right here in America,
Wait 'til it happens to you.


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