Larry Norman - Right Here In America lyrics

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 it'self

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