The sergent's orders could be heard all around
He said, "boys, we're gonna have us a shakedown."
So baby, find some walls to hide in between
Or these no good suckers just might suck us clean

You looked so desperate from the shoreline
To find some peace of mind and leave this all behind
And then we'll prominade
To this red mascarade's marching drum
(to this headstrong brigade's marching drum)

They packed the neighborhood with guns and police
Growled through the bullhorn, "we've come to set you free"
Remember elliott said "they're killing a southern belle"
If it's true, then we're next and it's just as well