Lyrics Frank Turner – Riot Song

Last night the kids sent London alight
Started out in Tottenham and the flames spread through the night
But they didn’t burn the banks down, and they didn’t fight the cops
They just burned down their own ends and robbed the shops.

Most of us just stood and watched it burn
Just ordinary people, who are working hard to earn
Earning money for the weekend, and some peace to see their folks
And last night we watched it all go up in smoke

Make no mistake this ain’t no bullshit insurrection
It’s anger mixed with greed without a plan
But don’t pretend that you’re not part of the solution
You can’t just keep your head down in the sand

So fuck the cops, and fight the thieves
Step up defend your own communities

And today don’t expect Westminster to care
They pass the laws then hit the suburbs
Where they breathe the cleaner air
In an atmosphere unsullied, by burning cars or by hate
To the post codes where there are no sink estates

But it shouldn’t be their problem anyway
It’s a battle on our doorsteps, and it won’t just go away
So if you give a single damn about the city where you live
You’ll step up now and ask what you can give

Because these kids they are our neighbours, and our children
And if they say that they don’t give a damn
It’s up to us to show them it’s a problem
To steal the shit you want just ’cause you can

So fuck the cops, forget the thieves
Step up defend your own communities
Tomorrow we stand together oh we’re never on our own