Christmastime in the Motor City But things ain't really pretty Yeah, the streets are paved with rusty pennies Smell of money in the air but you can't earn a dollar anywhere I'm out of work, it's been a while So don't ask me to smile I ain't no scrooge, I like December But I can't even remember seeing Santa Claus this year Well, I heard he got a job and he changed his name to Bob Took shave in the lobby of the Cadillac Hotel They gave him unemployment but no food stamps [Incomprehensible] We'll give you drug but there's no free soup [Incomprehensible] Christmastime in the Motor City But things ain't really pretty Yeah, the streets are paved with rusty pennies Smell of money's in the air
It was not a night to be with birds Christmas Eve without the tender words Without a place to call my home Sharing a square in the park with the pigeons Combing my hair and feeding them bread They bobbed their heads and walked right up Their cup is filled but mine got spilled along the way At 2 a.m., I'm off the streets, sitting in a donut shop A sad-eyed girl mops the floor next to my feet The light in here is far too bright The radio plays 'Silent Night' I sit and watch the traffic panic, it sails away Look at this, it's Christmas Day Christmastime in the Motor City But things ain't really pretty Yeah, the streets are paved with rusty pennies Smell of money's in the air