American Skin (41 Shots)

by Bruce Springsteen

41 shots and we'll take that ride
'Cross the bloody river
To the other side
41 shots cut through the night
You're kneeling over his body in the vestibule
Praying for his life

Is it a gun? Is it a knife?
Is it a wallet? This is your life
It ain't no secret
No secret, my friend
You can get killed just for living in your American skin

41 shots, Lena gets her son ready for school
She says, 'On these streets, Charles
'You've got to understand the rules
'If an officer stops you, promise me you'll always be polite
'And that you'll never ever run away
'Promise Mama you'll keep your hands in sight'

Is it a gun? Is it a knife?
Is it in your heart? Is it in your eyes?
It ain't no secret
No secret, my friend
You can get killed just for living in your American skin

41 shots and we'll take that ride
'Cross this bloody river
To the other side
41 shots, got my boots caked with this mud
We're baptized in these waters
And in each other's blood