Sun sinking deep, fires burning down
Hard to see the moon, when the smoke is all around
I live in a big city
And they tell me we are free
I hear babies cryin'
There'll be killing in these streets

How many heartaches, how many years of pain
Just how many funerals, before the streets be safe again
I live in a big city
And they tell me we are free
I hear babies cryin'
There'll be killing in these streets

Evening sun going down, police using his billy stick
When the blood start to flowin', and it'll be flowin' till the mornin' come again
I live in a big city
And they tell me that we are free
Now I hear these babies cryin'
Do you know what that's doin' to me?
Lord it's tearin' my heart apart