Malvina Reynolds - Alcatraz lyrics

It was Pelican Island, When the Bay was clean. The birds on the flyway Used to make the scene. And the Rock was green. Chorus: Alcatraz, We don't need that plastic jazz. Give us the island the way it was When the Indians had their day. Who needs an Astrodome In San Francisco Bay! Sad Rock, cruel Rock To the souls of men, Must it be a painted rock From the five and ten, Miserable again? (Chorus) They call it real estate, That's all they can see, Wild creatures called it home That's how it could be, A joy to you and me. (Chorus) Do your stuff in Dallas, New York and Abilene. We've got hot shots of our own Messing up the scene; Leave our Bay serene. (Chorus) Now the Indians claim the Rock Just a grain of sand To the wilds we robbed them of Their ancestral land. Red Brother, take your stand! Alcatraz, We don't need that plastic jazz, Let's see the Island the way it was. When the Indians have their day We'll cheer that Council Fire In San Francisco Bay!