It started in basements

And it started in sheds

It started in backyards

And was hidden under beds

I turned on the TV

Don't believe a word they say

We can't stay here

And we can't get away



There's a riot on Sunset

And fires burn in the park

The sun has set my friend

And California's dark



And over the screaming

I heard a clear voice

I looked at my choices

And I made a choice

Smoke and ashes

Tonight hide the stars

The stop lights are red now, love

We've come for what's ours



There's a riot on Sunset

And fires burn in the park

The sun has set my friend

And California's dark



Come stand among the rattlesnakes

At the side of the desert road

And close your eyes and listen

To the music hard and cold

Tonight the moon is blackened

Tonight the doors are shut

Behind the shuttered windows

We pray the sun will come up

For something walks across these fields

For which there is no name

You might have heard different

But I was there when it came

It will start with a spark

And a great fire will grow

Don't know how I know it

But I just know



There's a riot on Sunset

And fires burn in the park

The sun sets everywhere

And the whole damn country's dark

There's a riot on Sunset

And fires burn in the park

The sun has set my friend

And California's dark