Black Day In July

Black day in JulyMotor city madness has touched the countryside

And through the smoke and cinders you can hear it far and wide

The doors are quickly bolted and the children locked insideBlack day in July, black day in JulyAnd the soul of motor city is bared across the land

As the book of law and order is taken in the hands

Of the sons of the fathers who were carried to this landBlack day in July, black day in JulyIn the streets of motor city there's a deadly silent sound

And the body of a dead youth lies stretched upon the ground

Upon the filthy pavement no reason can be foundBlack day in July, black day in JulyMotor city madness has touched the countryside

And the people rise in anger and the streets begin to fill

And there's gunfire from the rooftops and the blood begins to spillBlack day in JulyIn the mansion of the Governor there's nothing that is known for sure

The telephone is ringing and the pendulum is swinging

And they wonder how it happened and they really know the reason

And it wasn't just the temperature and it wasn't just the seasonBlack day in July, black day in JulyMotor city's burning and the flames are running wild

They reflect upon the waters of the river and the lake

And everyone is listening and everyone's awakeBlack day in July, black day in JulyThe printing press is turning and the news is quickly flashed

And you read your morning paper and you sip your cup of tea

And you wonder just in passing is it him or is it me?Black day in JulyIn the office of the President the deed is done the troops are sent

There's really not much choice you see, it looks to us like anarchy

And then the tanks go rolling in to patch things up as best they can

There is no time to hesitate, the speech is made, the dues can waitBlack day in July, black day in JulyThe streets of motor city now are quiet and serene

But the shapes of gutted buildings strike terror to the heart

And you say, "How did it happen" And you say, "How did it start?

Why can't we all be brothers why can't we live in peace?"

But the hands of the have-nots keep falling out of reachBlack day in July, black day in JulyMotor city madness has touched the countryside

And through the smoke and cinders you can hear it far and wide

The doors are quickly bolted and the children locked insideBlack day in July, black day in July, black day in July