Survival of the Streets
Cro-Mags Lyrics

The lyrics to Cro-Mags' song "Survival of the Streets" offer a sharp depiction of the urban decay and poverty that exists in many inner-city neighborhoods. The singer of the song finds themselves living inside enclosed walls, with no money in their pockets and no pictures on the walls. The desperation of the situation is highlighted when they reflect on waking up with a gun pointed at their head. Reflecting on the hardness of their life, the singer muses on their need to be hard too. But despite their efforts to overcome the obstacles in their path, they never know what's coming up ahead, and any misstep could wind up costing them their life. As the song's title suggests, the song is about the struggle for survival in an unforgiving urban environment.

What makes the lyrics so effective is their unvarnished depiction of the bleak conditions faced by many inner-city residents. There's no attempt to sugarcoat or romanticize the harsh realities that come with living on the streets. The song is a powerful reminder of how social and economic inequality can lead to desperate circumstances for those trapped in it. At the same time, the song acknowledges the resilience and toughness that people in these situations develop in order to survive. The final lines of the song emphasize this survival instinct, noting that despite the many dangers and obstacles in their way, the singer is still alive and fighting for another day.