(Intro – 0:00–0:25)
What a damn shame.
Got them boys in masks, knockin’ on the door like they’re the police,
If you look like me, then they’re out for your blood, can’t find no peace.
No room for a brown boy in this country…
What a damn shame, what a damn shame.
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(Verse 1 – 0:25–1:05)
Look in a book, try to understand,
They’ve used our backs since they first touched this land.
Ever since the first settlers laid it down,
They’ve been takin’ our gold, leavin’ us the ground.
This song ain’t for them satan kids,
The ones that hate you before knowin’ what you did.
Say a single word and they turn red,
Judge a man by the rumor, not what he said.
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(Pre-Chorus – 1:05–1:20)
Boys in blue protect the crown,
While the rest of us get kicked around.
Seems every day’s another line they draw,
Keep us fightin’ while they write the law.
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(Chorus – 1:20–1:55)
🎶 What a damn shame, can’t you see it clear?
They buy their power while we drown in fear.
Them suits in the office don’t know what we do,
Never got dirt on their hands or paid no dues.
We all bleed red, that’s the gospel truth,
But the boys at the top keep growin’ stronger than you.
Yeah, what a damn shame… oh, what a damn shame. 🎶
⸻
(Verse 2 – 1:55–2:35)
Hide your wife and your kids, keep ‘em close tonight,
This land’s number one in folks that lose their light.
A million gone, no answers found,
Paid investigations just circle ‘round.
The devil’s got his people all dressed in suits,
Shakin’ hands while they pick our fruits.
Tryin’ to tell us what’s wrong, what’s right,
While they sip their wine in the city lights.
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(Chorus – 2:35–3:05)
🎶 What a damn shame, brother, don’t you know?
They feed you fear just to keep control.
We were all one people till they made us cold,
Dividin’ our hearts for the weight of gold.
We all bleed red, ain’t nothin’ new,
But the boys at the top keep growin’ stronger than you. 🎶
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(Bridge – 3:05–3:35)
You may think this ain’t for you,
But brother, they’re comin’ for you too.
Started with the weak, now they hunt the meek,
If you don’t stand tall, they’ll cut you deep.
Do your own work, learn the whole truth,
Not just the stories they taught in school.
God is the way, the light, the flame,
Don’t let the devil win this game.
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(Final Chorus – 3:35–3:55)
🎶 What a damn shame, can’t you feel the fight?
Hold your head high through the darkest night.
To the ones who work, to the ones who pray,
To the hearts that love when the world turns gray.
We all bleed red, and we all can choose,
To stand for the light, got nothin’ to lose.
Yeah, what a damn shame… oh, what a damn shame. 🎶
⸻
(Outro – 3:55–4:10)
Guitar fades, slow drawl voice:
My heart goes out to the ones who fight,
Just to make it through the night…
What a damn shame.
