mama been laid off

papa been laid off

my brother's been laid off

for more than two years now

ooh can't get a job

billy can't get a job

ooh they gotta listen to the blues



help them to strive

help them to move on

help them to have some future

help them to live long

help them to live life

help them to smile

don't let them stay home and listen to the blues



mama been laid off

papa been laid off

billy can't get a job

for too long too long

don't let them lose

we gotta give them a chance

it's gonna come back on everyone

if you don't make them dance

don't let them stay home and listen to the blues



there's nothing sacred (why, why, why)

breathing hatred

we have to face it (why, why, why)

no one can take it

and feel no pain



mama been laid off

papa been laid off

my brother's been laid off

for more than two years now

ooh can't get a job

billy can't get a job

ooh they gotta listen to the blues



help them to strive

help them to move on

help them to have some future

help them to live long

help them to live life

help them to smile

don't let them stay home and listen to the blues



one day we're gonna wake up

and the ghetto's all around

all over my friend

have you ever seen a man break down



do you know how that feels

to walk the street with your head held high

why, why, why

oh lord have mercy

did you ever see a man break down



there's nothing sacred

breathing hatred

we have to face it

no-one can take it (how can they take that much)

and feel no pain



oooh, did you ever see a man break down