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"Beat the System" is a song by Petra. It was written and composed by the band's guitarist and vocalist Bob Hartman. The song was released in 1985 as part of the band's seventh album which bears the same title.

Lyrics

Words and music by Bob Hartman

Caught in the undertow being swept downstream
Going against the flow seems like such a dream
Trying to hold your ground when you start to slide
Pressure to compromise comes from every side
Wise up, rise up

(Chorus)
You can be more than a conqueror, you will never face defeat
You can dare to win by losing all, you can face the heat - dare to
Beat the System

On the assembly line trying to break the mold
Time to throw the wrench that will stop it cold
Going against the odds being the underdog
Dare to wield the sword that will slice the fog

You can go for it all
You can go for broke
You can turn the tide around
You can aim for the top
And take the lion's share
If you dare to hold your ground

Credits

Other versions

Live versions

"Beat the System" was the first song in the 1986 live album Captured in Time and Space.

Remake

In 2000, Petra rearranged and recorded the song in the album Double Take. This version features John Schlitt on lead vocals.

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