observed in secret

this is not what we mean by on the fly
but speed is not the same as simple haste
you must not press us when you know we lie

what we desire is just an open sky
but so much happens that we want erased
this is not what we mean by on the fly

our words and signals do not seem so dry
but all we value now is much debased
you must not press us when you know we lie

greed and despair combine when we apply
the rules of power upon all those we waste
this is not what we mean by on the fly

the true reporter we will call a spy
and seek to banish or else to lambaste
you must not press us when you know we lie

you must not listen while the victims cry
or mention terms like honour or good taste
this is not what we mean by on the fly
you must not press us when you know we lie