Open Letter (To a Landlord)
Living Colour
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Now you can tear a building down But you can't erase a memory These houses may look all run down But they have a value you can't see... This is my neighborhood This is where I come from I call this place my home You call this place a slum You want to run all the people out This what you're all about Treat poor people just like trash Turn around and make big cash [Chorus:] Now you can tear a building down But you can't erase a memory These houses may look all run down But they have a value you can't see Last month there was a fire I saw seven children die You sent flowers to their family But your sympathy's a lie Cause every building that you burn Is more blood money that you earn We are forced to relocate From the pain that you create [Chorus] We lived here for so many years Now this house is full of fear For a profit you will take control Where will all the older people go? There used to be when kids could play Without the scourge of drug's decay Now our kids are living dead They crack and blow their lives away [Chorus] You've got to fight You've got a right To fight for your neighborhood!
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Written by: TRACIE D MORRIS, VERNON ALPHONSUS REID
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Origin"Open Letter (To a Landlord)" was written by band members Vernon Reid and Tracie Morris. The track first appeared on Living Colour's debut album, "Vivid," which was released in 1988.
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Theme ClassificationThe song's lyrics discuss the widespread gentrification and displacement happening in urban neighborhoods, a hot topic in New York City in the '80s. It touches on social and racial issues, providing commentary on the neglect and deteriorating conditions of inner-city living.
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Music Genre LabelLiving Colour typically blends multiple genres, including rock, funk, and heavy metal in their music. "Open Letter (To a Landlord)" is primarily classified as Alternative Rock.
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Song Structure ClassificationLike many songs in the rock genre, "Open Letter (To a Landlord)" follows a verse-chorus structure, with distinct instrumental solos placed throughout the track.
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Album SuccessThe album "Vivid" peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200 in the United States and was certified double Platinum.
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Racial RepresentationAs an all-black rock band, Living Colour broke racial stereotypes in the music industry. "Open Letter (To a Landlord)" was one of the songs that enabled the band to explore conversations on race, class, and equity.
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InfluenceThe strong social commentary found in "Open Letter (To a Landlord)" influenced many upcoming bands and artists to use music as a vehicle to express their perspectives on societal issues.
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Band's Lineup"Open Letter (To a Landlord)" features Corey Glover on vocals, Vernon Reid on guitar, Muzz Skillings on bass, and Will Calhoun on drums.
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Critical AcclaimThe track, along with other songs from the "Vivid" album, cemented Living Colour's reputation as a socially conscious and musically adept band. The album received excellent reviews from critics.
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Lyrical ProwessThe song is notable for its poignant and emotionally charged lyrics. Feelings of displacement, loss, and a yearning for home are powerfully conveyed through the band’s potent delivery.
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Live Performances"Open Letter (To a Landlord)" has been a regular fixture in Living Colour's live setlists, demonstrating its staying power and relevance to the band's ethos.
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Citation
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"Open Letter (To a Landlord) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32953590/Living+Colour/Open+Letter+%28To+a+Landlord%29>.
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