Johnny saw her riding on a street car named desire
His fate was sealed
She could see him coming like a hundred other liars
It was no big deal

Rosa had a lover on the shady side of town
Tito, he was king of the street
She was his possession like a jewel in his crown
Johnny better run, better run

Better hide your heart, better hold on tight
Better say your prayers 'cause there's trouble tonight
When pride and love battle with desire
Better hide your heart 'cause you're playing with fire

The ride was over but the story doesn't end
He took her heart
She looked him in the eye and said they couldn't meet again
You could see the trouble start

The word went out that Rosa's messing with someone
It was on the street
Tito looked for Johnny with a vengeance and a gun
Johnny better run, better run

Better hide your heart, better hold on tight
Better say your prayers 'cause there's trouble tonight
When pride and love battle with desire
Better hide your heart 'cause you're playing with fire

Johnny's holding Rosa on a roof-top in the night
As time stood still
They couldn't hear him coming 'til he had them both in sight
You could feel a chill

A shot rang out like thunder
And the blood was on her hands
With nothing won when someone lies there dying
Lovers finally understand

Better hide your heart, better hold on tight
Better say your prayers 'cause there's trouble tonight
When pride and love battle with desire
Better hide your heart 'cause you're playing with fire

When all alone what do we desire
Better hide your heart 'cause you're playing with fire
When pride and love battle with desire
Better hide your heart 'cause you're playing with fire