Living in Fear
Eric Burdon Lyrics


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Out in the streets
Where the crime rate is rising
There's people out there frightened for their lives
And out on the streets
Where the blood runs like water
And decent people lock their doors and hide

They're living in fear
Fighting for survival
The streets are paved with crime and corruption
There's innocent people

Living in fear ..
Where is the justice?
In this cold end concrete jungle
Where violence end trouble still prevail
And tell me what can we do?
Will we live with this cancer
Or will we find an answer to the plague
For heaven's sake
There's people out there!
Living in fear
Fighting for survival
Knowing that their rival is out there somewhere
We're living in fear
Fig thing for survival
Those streets are paved
With crime end corruption




There's innocent people
Living in fear ...

Overall Meaning

Eric Burdon’s song Living in Fear is a poignant and emotionally charged song that highlights the impact of crime and violence on the lives of ordinary people living in communities where crime rates are high. In the opening lines of the song, Burdon highlights the rising crime rate and the fear that people are experiencing on the streets. The image of people being frightened for their lives on the streets creates a sense of urgency and desperation that runs throughout the song.


Burdon highlights the contrast between the ordinary and decent people who are forced to lock their doors and hide to stay safe and the criminals who roam the streets freely causing harm and destruction. He raises questions about justice and the lack of protection for innocent people who are living in a concrete jungle filled with violence and trouble. The lyrics highlight the frustration and helplessness felt by people who are powerless to change their situation and are left to fight for survival in a harsh environment.


In the chorus, Burdon sings about the innocent people who are living in fear, fighting for survival, and trying to avoid the pervasive crime and corruption that is rampant on the streets. The lyrics create a powerful sense of empathy and understanding for the plight of the people living in these dangerous communities. Overall, Living in Fear is an insightful and thought-provoking song that raises important issues about the impact of crime and violence on the lives of ordinary people.


Line by Line Meaning

Out in the streets
The setting is outdoors


Where the crime rate is rising
The level of criminal activity is increasing


There's people out there frightened for their lives
Individuals are scared for their safety


And out on the streets
Continuation of the outdoor environment


Where the blood runs like water
Violence is frequent


And decent people lock their doors and hide
Law-abiding citizens must protect themselves by securing their homes


They're living in fear
The population is experiencing terror


Fighting for survival
Struggling to keep oneself alive


The streets are paved with crime and corruption
The public areas are inundated with illegal activity and immorality


There's innocent people
The individuals impacted are not culpable


Where is the justice?
The lack of fairness is questioned


In this cold end concrete jungle
The city is characterized as unrelenting


Where violence end trouble still prevail
Conflict and chaos persist


And tell me what can we do?
A plea for solutions


Will we live with this cancer
Can we tolerate this pervasive problem?


Or will we find an answer to the plague
Can we alleviate this epidemic?


For heaven's sake
An emotional appeal


There's people out there!
Re-emphasis of the affected population


Knowing that their rival is out there somewhere
Awareness of a potential antagonist


Fig thing for survival
Continuation of struggle for existence


Those streets are paved
Re-iteration of roadway conditions


With crime end corruption
Re-iteration of illegal and unethical behavior


There's innocent people
Re-iteration of the victims' innocence


Living in fear ...
Final thought repeating the opening sentiment




Contributed by Carter E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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