Lyrics Page
Breakdown
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Jul 19, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Michael W. Smith's song 'Breakdown' reflects on the moral and spiritual decline of a nation, contrasting its founding ideals with current social issues like addiction, abortion, and fear. The lyrics lament a loss of faith and unity, calling attention to the need for divine intervention. The song is a plea for salvation from societal breakdown, echoing themes of repentance and hope in God's mercy.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Wasn't it long ago
Wasn't it on a New England coast
Wasn't it the standard-people praying to
The Son and the Father and the Holy Ghost
One nation over God
Is that what we've now become?
The founding fathers left a noble legacy
To their sons and their daughters
To their sons and their daughters
Look at what we've done
Look at what we've done
Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown
As we learn to bite the hand
That tries to feed us
Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown
If we say taht we are free
Who will believe us
If we breakdown, breakdown, breakdown
Breakdown, break
See the powder on the glass
See the pillow on the street
See the charter of a modern love
With no obligations...or promises to meet
Hear the fear of disease
Hear the baby never born
Hear a people crying out
"Somebody save us-oh, please somebody save us
From what we're headed for-from what we're headed for"
Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown
As we learn to bite the hand
That tries to feed us
Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown