Shut Em Down
Public Enemy Lyrics

I testified
I gave testimony in response to a situation

My mama cried
My mother was unhappy with my actions

Black people died
People of African descent lost their lives

When the other man lied
Because someone else was dishonest

See the TV listen to me double trouble
Pay attention to my message, it's important and has serious consequences

I overhaul and I'm comin'
I'm changing things, and I'm coming to make this happen

From the lower level
From the bottom where we tend to get overlooked

I'm takin' tabs
I'm keeping a record of what's happening and what needs to be done about it

Sho nuff stuff to grab
There is plenty to be done here and issues to be resolved

Like shirts it hurts
Problems are very real and affect people's lives

With a neck to wreck
We're going to make real changes happen by going after systemic issues

Took a poll 'cause our soul
We surveyed and listened to the voices of people who matter

Took a toll
It had serious consequences

From the education
Our education system is part of the problem

Of a TV station
Media has a strong influence on people and shapes their thinking

But look around
If you look closely, you'll see what we're talking about

Hear go the sound of the wreckin' ball
Changes are happening, and some things will be destroyed

Boom and Pound
It's going to be loud and dramatic

When I Shut 'em down
We're going to make these changes happen

One two three four five Six seven eight nine
We're going to use all our resources to create significant change

What I use in the battle for the mind
We're fighting against harmful attitudes and beliefs

I hit it hard Like it supposed Pullin' no blows to the nose
We're going to tackle this intensely and honestly, without holding back

Like uncle L said I'm rippin' up shows
We're not afraid of opposition and will fight back with all we have, as Uncle L advised

Then what it is Only 5 percent of the biz I'm addin' woes
We're fighting against a major industry and its harmful influences, and creating problems for them

That's how da way it goes Then you think I rank never drank, point blank
This is how the system works, and we won't be afraid to take on powerful figures

I own loans Suckers got me runnin' from the bank
I have debts, and I'm being pursued for repayment

Civil liberty I can't see to pay a fee
Even something like free speech can be affected by steep fees, which is concerning

I never saw a way to pay a sap To read the law
I can't justify paying large amounts of money for legal services just to understand the law

Then become a victim of a lawyer
Being caught up in long legal battles can drain one's energy and resources

Don't know ya, never saw ya
I don't need to know someone to have hard feelings against them

Tape cued Gettin' me sued
I need to be careful with what I say because people are eager to sue

Playin' games wit' my head
My opponents are messing with my emotions

What the judge said put me in the red
I was dealt a severe financial blow due to the justice system

Got me thinkin' 'bout a trigger to the lead No no
These problems often make me feel like I want to resort to violence, but I know this isn't a solution

My education mind say Suckers gonna pay Anyway There gonna be a day
Education can give you a different perspective on these problems and motivate you to create real change

'Cause the troop they roll in To posse up Whole from the ground Ready to go Throw another round
We have a lot of people ready to join us and fight for change

Sick of the ride It's suicide For the other side of town
People are tired of the current situation and know that it's harmful

When I find a way to shut 'em down
We're going to find a way to enact real change and be successful

Who count the money In da neighborhood
People in our community need to have a say in where their resources go

But we spendin' money To no end lookin' for a friend
Too often we spend money without any real result or benefit

In a war to the core Rippin' up the poor in da stores
This is a fundamental issue we're fighting against, as it affects people in poverty on a deep level

Till they get a brother Kickin' down doors
We're going to help people until they feel empowered to create change themselves

Then I figure I kick it bigger Look 'em dead in the eye And they wince
Our actions will catch the attention of others and compel them to rethink their actions

Defense is pressurized They don't want it to be Another racial attack In disguise so give some money back
People in power are feeling the press to respond to our message, and we're going to hold them accountable for their past actions

I like Nike but wait a minute The neighborhood supports so put some Money in it
Even major corporations need to give back to the communities that support them

Corporations owe Dey gotta give up the dough To da town Or else We gotta shut 'em down
Companies need to pay their debts and invest in the communities that support their business, or we'll demand they be shut down