like a phoenix from the ash, between me and the freight train tracks
grow chain link fences, built to keep me
tightens like a tourniquet, these brand new buildings just don't fit
a parent's clothes on naive kids

crowds of people trying to feed a bigger one, but soon there'll be
security, cleaned up streets
make it safe for your investments by removing all the peasants
who needs me? it's a great time to be downtown

[chorus]
if you've never been alone here
then you probably shouldn't go near
don't you worry, we will clean it up and we won't hear em singing
we live downtown
bet your ass we've got a model, a florescent light to follow
just a little inconvenience and you'll see with your capital
we'll fix downtown

long ago there used to be local bands on the marquee
the kids are gone, but they're not at home
all will be well when we're no more what makes us true after the war
of zoning boards and franchise stores

i just want to ride my bike and see the workers all on strike
and tearing down rainbow bridge
but grand delusions held by men who don't know how to just say when
aren't hard to see, it's a great time to be downtown

[chorus]

all my life i've lived under construction
progress leaving road cones on my lawn
fancy malls mean fancy new obstructions
now i can see the neon from my yard

[chorus]