There's a target on the back of a black man

Walking down the street

He puts his trust in the hands of a land that swears he is free

It’s just a bad reputation, unjustified

There's a feeling of despair in the air

As lights flash red and blue

It's just a bad reputation, unjustified

How can we live like this, just to stay alive

Shot down like a dog in the street

Shot down, down, down

This is not the American Dream

This is the echo of an empty round

They shot ’em down, down down (x4)

A gold star goes far for a killer, who's colors are black and blue

He's got his finger on the trigger and a taste for blood

Burning crosses flicker in his eyes, when will it be enough

When will it be enough

Shot down like a dog in the street

Shot down, down, down

This is not the American Dream

This is the echo of an empty round

They shot 'em down, down down (x4)

There's a target on the back of a black man

Walking down the street

Shot down like a dog in the street

Shot down, down, down

This is not the American Dream

This is the echo of an empty round

They shot 'em down, down down