Find yourself in the gutter in a lonely part of town

where death waits in the darkness with a weapon to cut some strangers down

sleeping with an empty bottle, he's sad and an empty hearted man

all he needs is a job, and a little respect, so he can get out while he can



We always need to hear both sides of the story



A neighbourhood peace is shattered it's the middle of the night

young faces hide in the shadows, while they watch their mother and father fight

he says she's been unfaithful, she says her love for him has gone

and the brother shrugs to his sister, and says "looks like it's just us from now on"



We always need to hear both sides of the story



And the lights are all on, the world is watching now

people looking for truth, we must not fail them now

be sure, before we close our eyes

don't walk away from here

'til you hear both sides



Here we are all gathered in what seems to be the centre of the storm

neighbours once friendly now stand each side of the line that has been drawn

they've been fighting here for years, but now there's killing on the streets

while small coffins are lined up sadly, now united in defeat



We always need to hear both sides of the story



And the lights are all on, the world is watching now

people looking for truth, we must not fail them now

be sure, before we close our eyes

don't walk away from here

'til you hear both sides



White man turns the corner, find himself within a different world

ghetto kid grabs his shoulder, throws him up against the wall

he says "would you respect me if I didn't have this gun

'cos without it, I don't get it, and that's why I carry one"



We always need to hear both sides of the story