[Verse 1]
Robert Paxton in seventy-two
Wrote Vichy France, a breakthrough view
Collaboration wasn't forced upon
But chosen by those who should have known
He studied how democracy dies
When people believe authoritarian lies
[Chorus]
Paxton shows us how it starts
Fascism grows when fear departs from reason
Conservative elites make deals
Think they can control what's real
But the beast they think they're taming
Leaves democracy broken and flaming
[Verse 2]
Anatomy of Fascism came
Two thousand four, he changed the game
Five stages mapped from start to end
How normal folks can break and bend
From crisis comes the fertile ground
Where democratic norms break down
[Chorus]
Paxton shows us how it starts
Fascism grows when fear departs from reason
Conservative elites make deals
Think they can control what's real
But the beast they think they're taming
Leaves democracy broken and flaming
[Bridge]
"Fascism may be defined as a form of behavior"
Not ideology but actions that make us waiver
"Obsessive preoccupation with decline"
"Humiliation" becomes the party line
"Compensatory cults of unity"
Watch for these signs in our community
[Verse 3]
Stage one is just the genesis
Stage two brings electoral bliss
Stage three means gaining power's key
Stage four brings full authority
Stage five's when opposition's gone
And democracy can't carry on
[Chorus]
Paxton shows us how it starts
Fascism grows when fear departs from reason
Conservative elites make deals
Think they can control what's real
But the beast they think they're taming
Leaves democracy broken and flaming
[Outro]
Remember Paxton's warning clear
When authoritarians draw near
Five stages mapped, the pattern's true
The choice of what to do's on you