from the panopticon

it's not the motive that counts but the lack of consent
the effect's the same as if done with forethought
crime's judged as an act not as a matter of intent

we can't avoid it by shifting of emphasis or accent
this is the kind of story that can't in the end be bought
it's not the motive that counts but the lack of consent

but what if in the doing we pause and then repent
turn ourselves in without waiting to be caught
crime's judged as an act not as a matter of intent

the hounds of justice are a breed that never will relent
the consequences are those that you have wrought
it's not the motive that counts but the lack of consent

the tree that bears the bitterest fruit is bent
by all the weight of pain and wasted thought
crime's judged as an act not as a matter of intent

the last cry will be heard we know you will lament
the chances that were lost the battles left unfought
it's not the motive that counts but the lack of consent
crime's judged as an act not as a matter of intent