[Verse 1]
In the halls of power, papers pile high
Secret memos telling truths they can't deny
"This war cannot be won," the generals write
While cameras roll and they say "we're winning the fight"
McNamara knows the numbers don't lie
But credibility's the reason why
[Chorus]
When you can see it coming but you can't turn around
Credibility trap has got you locked and bound
Sunk costs rising, careers on the line
Political math says "just give it more time"
The Pentagon Papers show us how
Smart people make bad choices now
[Verse 2]
Every briefing room, the same charade
Junior officers learn the game that's played
Speak the truth, your promotion's denied
Tell them what they want, and you'll rise up high
The system rewards the optimistic lie
While body counts and budgets multiply
[Chorus]
When you can see it coming but you can't turn around
Credibility trap has got you locked and bound
Sunk costs rising, careers on the line
Political math says "just give it more time"
The Pentagon Papers show us how
Smart people make bad choices now
[Bridge]
Admitting failure costs you today
Continuing costs tomorrow they say
But tomorrow never comes to collect
While today's pain is direct
Asymmetric accountability
Creates institutional tragedy
[Verse 3]
From the White House down to Saigon's streets
Everyone knew this war couldn't be beat
But changing course means losing face
So they doubled down and stayed in place
The papers leaked, the truth came out
But damage done beyond all doubt
[Chorus]
When you can see it coming but you can't turn around
Credibility trap has got you locked and bound
Sunk costs rising, careers on the line
Political math says "just give it more time"
The Pentagon Papers show us how
Smart people make bad choices now
[Outro]
In every boardroom, every hall
The Pentagon trap can catch us all
When saving face costs more than truth
Remember what those papers prove