Slow drivin’ through the hood
Ma block is full of crime
There’s litter everywhere
And rows of foreclosed signs

Drunks lyin’ in the gutter
Stench of urine in the air
No signs of children playin’
But still... no one seems to care

Empty streets, Empty streets
Recession beat, Recession beat
Empty streets, Empty streets
Jobless defeat, Jobless defeat

Mortgages they couldn't meet
So they left in full retreat

I’m pullin’ into town
Most of the shops are closed
When will they reopen
Damn if anyone knows

Those old promises of change
Black folks wanted to believe
But now its four years later
They were conned, Oh Yeah, deceived

Empty streets, Empty streets
Recession beat, Recession beat
Empty streets, Empty streets
Jobless defeat, Jobless defeat

Unemployment checks did cease
While homeless numbers increased

Empty streets, Empty streets
Recession beat, Recession beat
Empty streets, Empty streets
Jobless defeat, Jobless defeat

Empty streets, Empty streets
Recession beat, Recession beat
Empty streets, Empty streets
Jobless defeat, Jobless defeat

Promises Prez failed to keep
Election day will be no sweep
Motherfu*ker faces defeat
He caused his people pain so deep

Poor economy caused much grief
Folks angered here beyond belief

Empty streets, Empty streets
Recession beat, Recession beat
Empty streets, Empty streets
Jobless defeat, Jobless defeat

Empty streets, Empty streets
Recession beat, Recession beat
Empty streets, Empty streets
Jobless defeat, Jobless defeat

A second term will be repeat
Black folks can't get on their feet