Why all the crack and dope flowing like water,

Dealers selling to my son and your daughter,

Why in Harlem?

Why all the racism and hate crimes,

Is it because I'm black,

Your fore fathers already made mine carry cotton sacks,

And that was way back. So why are you starting that crap?

Why now?

Why in Harlem?

Why is there a liquor store all around?

Why is wino Joe on the corner with his gin?

I see him almost every day.

And every time he sips segrams he grins.

Why in Harlem?

Why is there a gun in almost every house in Harlem?

Why do you wish to cause harm?

You might shoot the gun and hit a bystander in the arm.

Do you care as you stand and stare?

Listen to these words coming from you know where,

A person who knows, a person who lives, a person who grows in Harlem.

All of this violence, racism, and crime.

The teachers should be the people in their prime,

Keep safe in Harlem until next time.