This song, along with the instrumental version, sheet music, and extension activities, is available on Barbara Speicher's "Learning About Patriotic Holidays and Symbols by Song"
The Bill of Rights in the Constitution guarantees
Certain rights for citizens (and all the states agreed)
These first ten amendments signed in 1791
Meant for our protection are uniquely American
Government is kept from having too much control
With the Bill of Rights it has a limited role
You have the right to practice your religion in content #1
Meet peacefully and petition the government
It’s your right to say what you want - that’s for sure
You can print your thoughts in any book or newspaper
You can own and carry weapons for your safety #2
But in most schools they are not allowed to be*
Soldiers can’t live in your house without permission #3
Unless it’s during war and Congress makes that decision
No one can search your house or body anytime #4
Unless there’s evidence you might be guilty of a crime
You’re not forced to testify against yourself in court #5
And property taken for public use must be paid for
You have the right to have a speedy public trial #6
With a jury, witnesses, and lawyers the whole while
For a crime you have the right to know why you’re accused #7
And in a civil case the right to have a jury too
The government can’t make you pay unreasonable fines #8
Or order cruel punishments that cross the line
You have these rights in the Constitution - it’s true #9
But it doesn’t mean you don’t have other rights too
Things the Constitution doesn’t say Congress can do #10
Should be left up to the states and people like you
The Bill of Rights, the Bill of Rights, 500 words or less
The Bill of Rights may be short, but it’s the best
Keep the Bill of Rights in mind wherever you may go
If you learn this rap you will always know
*not in the Constitution
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Song Lyrics
Many thanks to Barbara Speicher for permission to display these lyric excerpts.
© Barbara Speicher. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
