East side, west side
larcency and homicide
people trying to survive.
Prostitution, retribution
toxic waste and air pollution
politics: no solution. [bad word] from the other side of town
This concrete jungle's got me down
I feel the heet, from the street

Live in the city,
die in the city.
Talk is cheap and the air smells [bad word] 
Laugh in the city,
cry in the city.
It's my home, but it sure ain't pretty.

Uptown, downtown
On the streets and underground
People trying to get around.
Skyscrapers, money makers
New York Knicks and L.A. Lakers
One too many circuit brakers.

Live in the city,
die in the city.
Talk is cheap and the air smells [bad word] 
Laugh in the city,
cry in the city.
It's my home, but it sure ain't pretty.