Like the ancient Roman Empire, this world is doomed to fall
And it's much too big a thing for mortal man,
Just take a look around and see the writing on the wall
Somehow we've got to find a helping hand

This world has never been in the awful shape it's in
And people scorn the things our leaders do,
It's time a prayer was spoken from the heart of every man
Jesus, take a hold and lead us through

The mighty roar of gunfire is now a local sound
And our city streets are filled with angry men,
Law is now a mockery throughout our troubled land
And destruction seems to be the current trend

This world has never been in the awful shape it's in
And our leaders seem in doubt as what to do,
It's time a prayer was spoken from the heart of every man
Jesus, take a hold and lead us through..."

- Merle Haggard, Jesus, Take a Hold (1971)

In other words, this country has been in a downward spiral for a long, long time. My entire life, in fact. :(

P.S. I have always found it interesting that Merle used the word "world" in the first line, as opposed to using "country." The man is not sloppy with his lyrics, so we know that it was intentional. It's indicative of how wide the scope of the problems were that he perceived. 39 years later I am still amazed at the depth of his perception. Hag rules.