It's a commentary on a society corrupted by a deceptive political ideology that breeds greed and lust for money. (And the line saying "hopin' for a hero, not another liar" was added in 2008.)
"My way" is not the way of those who want to change or save the world by speaking on a street corner or from behind a podium or pulpit -- which is why I ask how many people will see my way -- because what the world needs is the truth, and nothing but the truth, and not another self-important pretender who claims to know the truth.
HOW MANY?
How many people can see my way?
How many races have I run?
How many years have I been dying to say:
Now we can do what must be done.
Once there were sailors, alone on the sea,
Helping themselves to the wind.
Now they’re walkin' decks on Main and Wall Streets,
Layin' bets on what they might win.
What’s goin’ on, in your mind?
Do you need to take a hard line?
Do you plan your time, just to get ahead and find a gold mine?
Are we here because our soul never runs out of time?
Now here are the children of TV and space,
Pictures of Mommy’s & Daddy's desire.
But they’re joining the packs in a mad human race,
Hoping for a hero, not another liar.
See the fool on the mountain, who’s not afraid to fall.
He sees beyond what man has planned.
Just make up your mind when you hear the call,
And don’t follow footprints in the sand.
What’s goin’ on in your mind?
Do you need to take a hard line?
Do you plan your time, just to get ahead and find a gold mine?
Are we here because our soul never runs out of time?
Copyright © 2009 - 2014 J.J. Jeffers and TTAP
(Revised and updated from the original written in 1982. And the line about a "liar" was added in 2008.)
Written and recorded by Jeffers