The Night Chicago Died
Pretty Poison Lyrics

My daddy was a cop on the east side of Chicago
The writer's father was a police officer in the east side of Chicago.

Back in the U.S.A. back in the bad old days
This happened in the past when the USA was not in a great condition.

In the heat of a summer night
This event occurred during a warm summer night.

In the land of the dollar bill
This happened in the USA, where dollar bills are commonly used.

When the town of Chicago died
The writer is referencing a tragic event that happened in Chicago.

And they talk about it still
This event made a significant impact, and people still talk about it to this day.

When a man named Al Capone
The event revolved around Al Capone, a famous gangster.

Tried to make that town his own
Al Capone was trying to exert his influence and take control of Chicago.

And he called his gang to war
Al Capone and his gang decided to engage in a violent conflict with opposing forces.

With the forces of the law
Al Capone was fighting against the police and other law enforcement agencies.

I heard my mama cry
The writer could hear their mother crying, likely due to the severity of the situation.

I heard her pray the night Chicago died
The writer's mother was praying when the tragic event occurred.

Brother what a night it really was
This was a significant event that impacted many people.

Brother what a fight it really was
The conflict was intense and brutal.

Glory be!
This phrase is an expression of awe or wonderment.

And the sound of the battle rang
The violence and conflict could be heard by many.

Through the streets of the old east side
This violent conflict took place on the east side of Chicago.

′Til the last of the hoodlum gang
The writer is referencing the end of the conflict where the last gang members surrendered or died.

Had surrendered up or died
The writer is emphasizing the end of the conflict where the surviving members of the gang either surrendered or died.

There was shouting in the street
People could be heard shouting during this tragic event.

And the sound of running feet
As the conflict unfolded, people could be heard running away from the violence.

And I asked someone who said
The writer had to ask someone for more information about what was happening during the conflict.

"'Bout a hundred cops are dead!"
The conflict resulted in the death of over a hundred police officers.

And ther was no sound at all
The writer is emphasizing the eerie silence following the conflict.

But the clock upon the wall
The only sound that could be heard was the ticking of a nearby clock.

Then the door burst open wide
Suddenly, someone opened the door, disrupting the silence.

And my daddy stepped inside
The writer's father returned home safely after the conflict.

And he kissed my mama's face
The father greets and shows affection towards the writer's mother.

And he brushed her tears away
The father comforted and offered support to the writer's mother, who was still emotional from the tragic event.

The night Chicago died
The writer is referring to the tragic event that happened that night in Chicago.

Na-na na, na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na
This phrase is part of the song's chorus and serves mostly as a musical element.

Brother what a night the people saw
The event was something that was witnessed by many people, leaving a significant impact.

Brother what a fight the people saw
The conflict was violent and intense, making it difficult to watch.

Yes indeed!
This phrase is used to emphasize the writer's point or to show enthusiasm.