Open Letter (To a Landlord)

Album: Vivid (1988)
Charted: 82
Play Video
  • Now you can tear a building down
    But you can't erase a memory
    These houses may look all run down
    But they have a value you can't see...
    This is my neighborhood
    This is where I come from
    I call this place my home
    You call this place a slum
    You want to run all the people out
    This what you're all about
    Treat poor people just like trash
    Turn around and make big cash

    [CHORUS:]
    Now you can tear a building down
    But you can't erase a memory
    These houses may look all run down
    But they have a value you can't see

    Last month there was a fire
    I saw seven children die
    You sent flowers to their family
    But your sympathy's a lie
    Cause every building that you burn
    Is more blood money that you earn
    We are forced to relocate
    From the pain that you create

    [CHORUS]

    We lived here for so many years
    Now this house is full of fear
    For a profit you will take control
    Where will all the older people go?
    There used to be when kids could play
    Without the scourge of drug's decay
    Now our kids are living dead
    They crack and blow their lives away

    [CHORUS]

    You've got to fight
    You've got a right
    To fight for your neighborhood Writer/s: TRACEY MORRIS, VERNON REID
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 1

  • Basilio from New York CitySongfacts:you guys are just absolutely amazing!...i just adore this page and i enjoy reading through it whenever i get a chance.:)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?