East side, west side
larcency and homicide
people trying to survive
Prostitution, retribution
toxic waste and air pollution
politics: no solution

I've come from the other side of town
This concrete jungle's got me down
I feel the heet, from the street

Live in the city,
die in the city
Talk is cheap and the air smells shitty
Laugh in the city,
cry in the city
It's my home, but it sure ain't pretty

Uptown, downtown
On the streets and underground
People trying to get around
Skyscrapers, money makers
New York Knicks and LA Lakers
One too many circuit brakers

Live in the city,
die in the city
Talk is cheap and the air smells shitty
Laugh in the city,
cry in the city
It's my home, but it sure ain't pretty