Lyrics
There's blacks with knives and whites with guns
Reference to racial tensions and conflicts involving violence in Howard Beach.
fighting in Howard Beach
Continuation of racial conflict, emphasizing the location (Howard Beach).
There's no such thing as human rights
Assertion that human rights are nonexistent in the context of New York streets.
when you walk the N.Y. streets
Highlighting the harsh realities and dangers of walking the streets of New York.
A cop was shot in the head by a 10 year old kid named Buddah in
Narration of a shocking incident where a 10-year-old named Buddah shoots a cop in Central Park.
Central Park last week
Connection between violence and the urban environment, particularly Central Park.
The fathers are lined up by
Depiction of grieving fathers near coffins, emphasizing the Statue of Bigotry.
the coffins by the Statue of Bigotry
Reference to societal prejudices and injustices symbolized by the Statue of Bigotry.
You better hold on something's happening here
Warning of impending turmoil, urging people to brace for the unfolding events.
You better hold on---meet you in Tompkins Square
Suggesting a meeting point in Tompkins Square as a response to the chaos.
The dopers sent a message to the cops last weekend
Mention of a message sent by drug users to the police, resulting in violence.
They shot him in the car where he sat
Describing the shooting of an individual in a car, reflecting the prevalence of violence.
And Eleanor Bumpres and Michael Stewart must have appreciated that
Reference to specific individuals (Eleanor Bumpres and Michael Stewart) affected by violence.
There's a rampaging rage rising up like a plague of bloody vials
Metaphorical description of rising anger and violence, comparing it to a plague.
washing up on the beach
Symbolic imagery of the aftermath of violence washing up on the beach.
It'll take more than the Angels or Iron Mike Tyson
Skepticism about the ability of powerful figures (Angels, Iron Mike Tyson) to bring healing.
to heal this bloody breach
Expressing doubt that prominent figures can mend the deep societal divisions.
A junkie ran down a lady a pregnant dancer
Narrating a tragic incident involving a junkie and a pregnant dancer.
she'll never dance but the baby was saved
Emphasizing the potential loss of life contrasted with the salvation of the unborn baby.
He shot up some China White and nodded out at the wheel
Describing a drug-induced incident where a person under the influence loses control.
and he doesn't even remember a thing
Highlighting the consequences of drug use, including memory loss and irresponsibility.
They shot that old lady
Narration of the shooting of an elderly lady based on a mistaken belief.
'cause they thought she was a witness
Illustrating the wrongful act of violence against an innocent person.
to a crime she didn't even see
Questioning the idea of a brave home, pointing to the Statue of Bigotry as contradictory.
Whose home is the home of the brave by the Statue of Bigotry
Highlighting the persistence of racial tensions and the presence of weapons in society.
You got a black .38 and a gravity knife
Reference to possessing weapons while emphasizing the need to use public transportation.
You still have to ride the train
Stating that despite having weapons, individuals are not exempt from using public transportation.
There's the smelly essence of N.Y. down there
Describing the unpleasant essence of New York, contrasting it with the persona of Bernard Goetz.
but you ain't no Bernard Goetz
Highlighting the lack of heroism or vigilante justice in the narrator's identity.
There's no Mafia lawyer
Emphasizing the absence of powerful legal representation for ordinary individuals.
to fight in your corner
Reflecting on the lack of support from influential figures during moments of crisis.
for that 15 minutes of fame
Commenting on the fleeting nature of fame, especially in the context of legal battles.
The have and the have nots are bleeding in the tub
Depicting a situation where social and economic disparities result in suffering.
That's New York's future not mine
Rejecting the idea that the depicted future of New York is acceptable or applicable to the narrator.
Oh you better hold on---something's happening here.
Reiteration of the warning to hold on, emphasizing the ongoing and escalating events.
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