Detroit: Ashes of Shame

The Ashes of Shame

 

They used to call our city Motown

But now we’re down, broken like No town

Out of tears, no more clown to be found.

Whatever happened to our soul

We need more than cars and rock ‘n roll.

 

There used to be dancin’ in the streets

Now they’re filled with decay, rats, defeat.

Look around -- no one’s got hopes or jobs,

Houses are shuttered, nothing left to rob.

Is this what becomes of the broken-hearted?

 

Who’ll take the lead, go to any length

To dignify this old symbol of strength.

How high do you have to raise the flag

Can’t even afford to drink out of a bag.

Who’ll say, reach out and I’ll be there?

 

What would Henry say at this sight

Red eyes in the darkness crying for the light

Where’s up when hearts bleed, you got mouths to feed

Words roll hollow in the tumbleweed of greed.

Ain’t too proud to beg when on your last leg.

 

The Big Easy lost its levees,

We lost lots of Fords and Chevies.

You don’t gotta stare in the face of shame

If you’re in the D.C. Club of Personal Gain.

Ain’t no valley low enough, low enough, low enough.

Low enough, low enough, low enough, low enough.

 

If we’re only as strong as our weakest

Wake up, wake up, we’re at our bleakest.

Stop being yes men, stop being no men,

We don’t need no more selfish showmen

Try living in the tracks of my tears.

 

They used to call our city Motown

But now we’re down, broken like No town

Out of tears, no more clown to be found.

Whatever happened to our soul

We need more than cars and rock ‘n roll.

 

Who’ll say, reach out and I’ll be there,

I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there.

 

Reviews

[Distant horizons]

excellent write. feel the pain in your words.