41 shots, and we'll take that ride
Across 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
Ain't it no secret (ain't it no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
No secret, my friend
You get killed just for living in your American skin

(41 shots)
(41 shots)
(41 shots)
(41 shots)

41 shots, Mary gets her son ready for school
She says, on these streets, Alex
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 a wallet, this is your life
Ain't it no secret (ain't it no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
No secret, my friend
You get killed just for living in your American skin

Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
Ain't it no secret (ain't it no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
That ain't no secret (that ain't no secret)

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

Is it a gun, is it a knife
Is it a wallet, this is your life
Ain't it no secret (ain't it no secret)
Ain't it no secret (it ain't no secret)
No secret, my friend
You get killed just for living in your American skin