Killing Ground - Roger Rosen
I saw a killing tonight on the playground
There was nothin' I could do
The dead boy was a friend of mine
The kid with the gun I only partly knew
Cool boy's run out of money
Got a fever in the streets paved with gold
Fortune's there for the taking
Jasper was fourteen years old
Dreamin' his dreams fantastic
Boy could be a fabulous star
White powder wrapped in plastic
Is a habit that you can't kick too far
[Chorus]
It's a money trade run in hungry streets
Where the deals are made only in cash
Don't play games on the killing ground
Or your next deal could be your last
You know these pick-up games start friendly
"Hey brother, wanna go one on one?"
But look down any street where the dealers meet
And you know they ain't playin' for fun
The cops came and asked me "What happened?"
But you play the fool if the truth makes you wise
"1 didn't see no fight, just heard a pop in the night--
"Don't ask no questions and I'll tell you no lies."
Some get rich and some die young
Lookin' for a feel in' of ease
Some get hooked and some get hung
Tryin' to find a way to get free
[Repeat Chorus]
© 1983 Roger Rosen