Back to Detroit Songtext
von Wayne Kramer

It′s a hard wind that blows through the buildings and empty lots
As the corner of Michigan and 31st waits in ruin
And the echoes of the happy shoppers faded long, long, long ago
Back when Chrysler, GM, and Ford went mad with greed
Oh, how we hoped it would turn out right

Going back to Detroit

A kid could ride his bike through any neighborhood in town
With no fear of getting jacked for his sneakers
And drive-bys only happened to the purple gang
Back before the rebellion of '67
Still we dreamed it could turn out right

Moving back to Detroit

Drove down from St. Clair and it took all night

Going back to Detroit


Yeah, from East Grand Boulevard to Michigan and 31st
Over to Livernois and Warren
And then the upper duplex at Aylmer and McGraw Street
And then the big move to our own whole house in Lincoln Park
Which shattered into a rental in Taylor
And the endless search for the great good place
Was redeemed by the power of loud electric guitars

Up the river it′s all forests and secret trails
Ports and swamps and dogs and boats
And the day held a million adventures for a boy of seven
But that was before the time of later ghosts
Lost paradise left behind

Huck Finn hits the street in the neon light
Hold up against hope it'll turn out right

Going back to Detroit

Drove down from Algonac and it took all night

Going back to Detroit