Mamma been laid off 
Pappa been laid off 
My brother's been laid off 
For more than two years now 
Ooh can't get a job 
Billy can't get a job 
Ooh they gotta listen to the blues 
Help them to strive 
Help them to move on 
Help them to have some future 
Help them to live long 
Help them to live life 
Help them to smile 
Don't let them stay home and listen to the blues 

Pappa been laid off 
Mamma been laid off 
Billy can't get a job 
For too long too long 
Don't let them lose 
We gotta give them a chance 
It's [bad word] back on everyone 
If you don't make them dance 
Don't let them stay home and listen to the blues 

There's nothing sacred (why why why)) 
breathing hatred 
We have to face it (why why why) 
No one can take it 
And feel no pain 

Mamma been laid off 
Pappa been laid off 
My brother's been laid off 
For more than two years now 
Ooh can't get a job 
Billy can't get a job 
Ooh they gotta listen to the blues 

Help them to strive 
Help them to move on 
Help them to have some future 
Help them to live long 
Help them to live life 
Help them to smile 
Don't let them stay home and listen to the blues 

One day we're gonna wake up 
And the ghetto's all around 
All over my friend 
Have you ever seen a man break down 

Do you know how that feels 
To walk the streets with your head held high 
Why, why, why 
Oh Lord, have mercy 
Did you ever see a man break down 

There's nothing sacred 
Breathing hatred 
We have to face it 
No one can take it (how can they take that much) 
And feel no pain 

Ooh did you ever see a man break down