It started in basements
And it started in sheds
It started in backyards
And was hidden under beds
I turned on the TV
Don't believe a word they say
We can't stay here
And we can't get away

There's a riot on Sunset
And fires burn in the park
The sun has set my friend
And California's dark

And over the screaming
I heard a clear voice
I looked at my choices
And I made a choice
Smoke and ashes
Tonight hide the stars
The stop lights are red now, love
We've come for what's ours

There's a riot on Sunset
And fires burn in the park
The sun has set my friend
And California's dark

Come stand among the rattlesnakes
At the side of the desert road
And close your eyes and listen
To the music hard and cold
Tonight the moon is blackened
Tonight the doors are shut
Behind the shuttered windows
We pray the sun will come up
For something walks across these fields
For which there is no name
You might have heard different
But I was there when it came
It will start with a spark
And a great fire will grow
Don't know how I know it
But I just know

There's a riot on Sunset
And fires burn in the park
The sun sets everywhere
And the whole damn country's dark
There's a riot on Sunset
And fires burn in the park
The sun has set my friend
And California's dark