Up the block From my corner Past the mourners And the wings Four roses And all those party things I see the tombs and crowbars raised I see the pa**ion plays replayed Through the park East projects past Under train tracks Elderberry lots Mullberry plots And pools of blackest light I see the robes of faith and healing I see the spirits uncorked and reeling I see the rules of troubled dealing And you tell me, I got a right? Got a right to hold a gun Got a right to lose my son
But when I stand and face the flag I see my country wrapped in rags And west Up gentle cliffs Where fathers sip And mothers trip Up harsh inclines Six babies at their hips I see the playground games gone wrong I se the imitation bombs I see the army of the damned and hear their songs And you tell me, I got a right? Right and wrong--no inbetween Turn the other cheek to what I've k**ed But when I stand and face the flag I see my country wrapped in rags