Alcatraz (Pelican Island)

Malvina Reynolds

    Continues after the ad

    It was Pelican Island,
    When the Bay was clean.
    The birds on the flyway
    Used to make the scene.
    And the Rock was green.

    Alcatraz,
    We don't need that plastic jazz.
    Give us the island the way it was
    When the Indians had their day.
    Who needs an Astrodome
    In San Francisco Bay!

    Sad Rock, cruel Rock
    To the souls of men,
    Must it be a painted rock
    From the five and ten,
    Miserable again?

    Continues after the ad

    They call it real estate,
    That's all they can see,
    Wild creatures called it home
    That's how it could be,
    A joy to you and me.

    Do your stuff in Dallas,
    New York and Abilene.
    We've got hot shots of our own
    Messing up the scene;
    Leave our Bay serene.

    Now the Indians claim the Rock
    Just a grain of sand
    To the wilds we robbed them of
    Their ancestral land.
    Red Brother, take your stand!

    Alcatraz,
    We don't need that plastic jazz,
    Let's see the Island the way it was.
    When the Indians have their day
    We'll cheer that Council Fire
    In San Francisco Bay!

    Song details

    Composition: Malvina Reynolds

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