Mama been laid off Papa been laid off My brother's been laid off For more than two years now Oh, 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 Papa been laid off Mama 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 Oh yeah, yeah, yeah We have to face it (Why?, why?, why?) No one can take it And feel no pain (Feel no pain) Mama been laid off Papa been laid off My brother's been laid off For more than two years now Oh, 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 (Why?, why?) 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? (Why?, why?) To walk the street with your head held high (Why?, why?, why?) Oh Lord have mercy (Why?, why?) Did you ever see a man break down There's nothing sacred (Why?, why?, why?) Breathing hatred We have to face it (Why?, why?, why?) No-one can take it (Why?, why?, why?) And feel no pain Ohh, did you ever see a man break down?