Across the Lines
Across the Lines

Tracy Chapman - Across the Lines Lyrics

This poignant piece by Tracy Chapman serves as a commentary on racial tensions and violence in America. The lyrics depict the physical and metaphorical lines that divide races, leading to fear, hatred, and tragic consequences. Chapman's narrative of a black… Read more

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Across the Lines Music Video

Across the Lines Lyrics

Across the lines
Who would dare to go
Under the bridge
Over the tracks
That separates whites from blacks

Choose sides
Run for your life
Tonight the riots begin
On the back streets of America
They kill the dream of America

Little black girl gets assaulted
Ain't no reason why
Newspaper prints the story
And racist tempers fly
Next day it starts a riot
Knives and guns are drawn
Two black boys get killed
One white boy goes blind

Across the lines
Who would dare to go
Under the bridge
Over the tracks
That separates whites from blacks

Choose sides
Run for your life
Tonight the riots begin
On the back streets of America
They kill the dream of America

Little black girl gets assaulted
Don't no one know her name
Lots of people hurt and angry, she's the one to blame

Across the lines
Who would dare to go
Under the bridge
Over the tracks
That separates whites from blacks

Choose sides
Run for your life
Tonight the riots begin
On the back streets of America
They kill the dream of America

Writer(s): Tracy L. Chapman
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Across the Lines?

This poignant piece by Tracy Chapman serves as a commentary on racial tensions and violence in America. The lyrics depict the physical and metaphorical lines that divide races, leading to fear, hatred, and tragic consequences. Chapman's narrative of a black girl being assaulted and the subsequent backlash illustrates how quickly situations can escalate due to existing prejudices. She laments the death of the American dream amidst these societal conflicts. The song is a call for understanding, empathy, and unity across these divisive lines. #RacialTensions #SocialCommentary #AmericanDream #Unity

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