Empire

Last night the word came down, ten dead in chinatown
Innocent, their only crime was being in the wrong place
At the wrong time
Too bad, people say
What's wrong with the kids today
Tell you right now they've got nothing to lose

They're building empire!

Johnny used to work after school
At the cinema show
Gotta hustle if he wants an education
He's got a long way to go
Now he's out on the street all day
Selling crack to the people who pay
Got an ak-47 for his best friend
Business the American way

Eastside meets westside downtown
No time, the walls fall down

Can't you feel it coming! Empire!
Can't you hear it calling?
Black man, trapped again. Hold his chain in his hand
Brother killing brother for the profit of another
Game point, nobody wins. Decline, right on time
What happened to the dream sublime?
Tear it all down, we'll put it up again. Another empire?

Eastside meets westside downtown
No time, no line, the walls fall down

Can't you feel it coming? Empire!
Can't you hear it calling empire!
Can't someone here stop it?

By away of comparison
The federal government spent 24 million
More on space exploration
And 43 times more on national defense
And international relations
Than law enforcement

Can't you feel it coming? Empire!
Can't you hear it calling empire!
Can't you feel it coming? Empire!
Can't you hear it calling empire!
Can't you feel it coming? Empire!
Can't someone here stop it?
Empire