Bed-Stuy is Burning
Skyzoo Lyrics

Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at?
Asking where Brooklyn is and calling out to the Brooklyn community.

Remember we
Recalling a shared memory or experience.

Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at? Where
Repeating the call and emphasizing the importance of Brooklyn's presence.

As true as you and me, there's a mayor on every block
Acknowledging the authority figures and power dynamics in Bed-Stuy.

Singing The Dramatics and playing with ready rock
Describing the street culture and music scene in Bed-Stuy.

Usually it seem like he waiting to catch a drop
Implying that these authority figures are always ready to swoop in and take advantage of the situation.

You're clinging to his habits, he saving you from a spot
Explaining how some people in Bed-Stuy are trapped in a cycle of dependence on these authority figures for protection and assistance.

'Round the way work, jewels in the ground, hit the pay dirt
Highlighting the opportunities for success and wealth within the community.

Love is love, you in good hands, Dennis Haysbert
Referencing an advertisement from Allstate Insurance and suggesting that the community is in good hands.

Openly protected by who you be neck and neck with
Noting that the community members look out for each other and have each other's backs.

'Til you looking over like, "Look at what they done made work"
Realizing that the community's successes and achievements are a result of their hard work and dedication.

Circling the block, I know your call before you start
Describing the tight-knit community and familiarity among its members.

Put your phone down, Pyer Moss to the heart
Advocating for being present in the moment and being passionate about the community (referencing a fashion brand).

Word to all of that, love it or leave it, we afforded that
Asserting that the community members have earned their place and right to be there.

Twenty D batteries, count 'em wrong, brought them back
Referencing the resourcefulness and resiliency of the community.

Attracted to what you see on the screen
Pointing out the allure of media and its potentially misleading portrayal of reality.

But then thinking you can recast it to keep who you need
Cautioning against trying to emulate what is seen in media instead of embracing and valuing the community's own unique qualities and strengths.

Keep it cool, shit is cool, you don't need me to leave
Encouraging people to stay calm and work together rather than relying on outsiders to swoop in and save the day.

Word to God it's nothing to let you be who you be
Acknowledging the importance of individual identities and expressing a desire to let people be themselves.

I mean, for real though, there's a fire sale in the Stuy
Drawing attention to the danger and potential loss in the community.

Thirty floors up, burnt the vibe clear out the sky
Painting a vivid picture of the destruction and loss caused by the fire.

Said there's a fire sale in the Stuy
Repeating the warning and emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Please, Philly, don't let this happen to you
Addressing other communities and urging them to learn from the mistakes and losses of Bed-Stuy.

Please, Atlanta, don't let this happen to you
Continuing to call out and advise other communities to take care of and protect themselves.

Please, DMV, don't let this happen to you
Referencing the DC metropolitan area and reiterating the message to other communities.

Please, LA, don't let this happen to you
Addressing Los Angeles and warning against a similar disaster.

Please, Detroit, don't let this happen to you
Appealing to Detroit to avoid the same fate as Bed-Stuy.

Please, Chicago, don't let this happen to you
Urging Chicago to learn from Bed-Stuy's loss and take preventative measures.

Please, Texas, don't let this happen to you
Broadening the appeal to the entire state of Texas and imploring them to protect their communities.

Please, New Orleans, don't let this happen to you (yo)
Ending with a final plea to New Orleans and using slang for emphasis.

To whom it may concern, don't let this happen to you
Addressing anyone who might be listening and emphasizing the importance of avoiding a tragedy like Bed-Stuy's.

True to what you heard, they want this back like a loop
Describing the danger and impending threat faced by the Bed-Stuy community.

They gave you a curb and kept you back on the stoop
Expressing the feeling of being trapped or held back by authority figures and social structures.

And now what they prefer is to help you pack when you move
Asserting that these authority figures are willing to let the community crumble and leave rather than help them thrive.

And an argument is made for calling out a blame
Suggesting that people are trying to place blame for the situation at hand.

Visions of a doorstep and all that it became
Recounting memories and experiences that were important to the community and now lost or in danger.

And they ain't have the heart to stand on it 'til today
Criticizing those in power for not taking action sooner.

The smoke all clear and they just wanting the remains
Describing the aftermath of a disaster and how those in power are more interested in capitalizing on the loss rather than helping the community rebuild.

Funny, ain't it? The bottom of the bag is what you make it
Commenting on the irony and absurdity of life.

Jump the line 'cause I ain't never seen money waiting
Urging people to take action and not wait around for someone else to fix the problem.

Shit you ran from is what you tryna run away with
Note that people may be tempted to escape the problems and challenges they face, but ultimately they must grapple with them.

And brownstones is looking "Salvation" underrated
Referencing the Spike Lee film 'Do The Right Thing' and highlighting the value and potential for revival in the historic brownstones of Bed-Stuy.

Told us tag a dotted line if you care to survive
Describing the pressure and expectation to conform to societal norms and expectations in order to succeed and survive.

And if not, pick a spot and just be here for the ride
If you don't want to conform, then just go along with the system and don't resist.

The aura of quarter waters over Mary J. Blige
Painting a vivid picture of the unique and authentic culture and vibe of Bed-Stuy.

My neighborhood give you life, but was you here when it died? Riddle me that
Pointing out the irony and hypocrisy of people who claim to love the community but weren't there to do anything when it was in danger or needed support.

Block party every summer, forty acres and a mule
Highlighting the community's traditions and celebrations, as well as referencing the historically unfulfilled promise of reparations for slavery.

Same block where it was from and it became the living proof
Acknowledging the community's rich history and contribution to society as a whole.

Last of a dying breed, praises is due
Recognizing the unique and valuable qualities of the Bed-Stuy community and its members.

While you're cursing out the stage from your roof
Highlighting the passion and engagement of the community, even in difficult times.

You came here itching for the vibe, take it with us if we gone
Inviting others to experience and appreciate the vibrant culture and spirit of Bed-Stuy.

No money in Sal's, blame the pictures on the wall
Referencing the same scene from 'Do The Right Thing' and criticizing the lack of resources and support for the community.

A box of Kennedy Fried got you thinking you involved
Mocking the idea that buying fast food from a local establishment makes you part of the community and invested in its growth.

Shit is smooth, I was there too before I moved along, funny ain't it, right?
Reflecting on the changes that have happened in the community and acknowledging the irony of life.

Chopped-cheese and Kennedy Fried and dollar Arizonas and
Listing the cheap and accessible food options available in the neighborhood.

Four wings with fried rice and extra duck sauce
Describing a popular food order at a Chinese restaurant in Bed-Stuy.

All of the reasons you was out front for
Reminding listeners of the unique and authentic culture, community and experiences found in Bed-Stuy.

Coming with us if we up and gone
Inviting and encouraging people to stick together and support each other through any challenges or changes.

Coming with us if we up and gone 'cause Bed-Stuy is burnin'
Endowing a sense of urgency and importance to the community and its continued existence.

With all this money that we can make
Acknowledging the potential for wealth and success within the community.

Why don't y'all just lead the way?
Questioning why those in power or with wealth and privilege don't help the community prosper and grow.