That’s What Keeps the Rent Down, Baby

Hush little baby, don't you cry
Please don't mind the screaming
From the man in the alley on the small of his back
The police man's knee is kneelin'
I'll tell you an open secret, child
Not everyone is knowin'
But if that little man ever left this place
You and I would soon be goin'

'Cause that's what keeps the rent down, baby
That's what keeps the rent down low
Yeah, that's what keeps the rent down, baby
That's what keeps the rent down low

Your mama ain't rich, she's a music man
Your daddy, he's a painter
We took over the lease on this old house
From them whose hearts were fainter

'Cause we don't mind the painted ladies
With their weeping souls all swollen
And we don't mind that everyone we know
Has had their stereo stolen

'Cause that's what keeps the rent down, baby
That's what keeps the rent down low
Yeah, that's what keeps the rent down, baby
That's what keeps the rent down low

One fine morning you wake up to
Bulldozers and renovation
'Cause folks like your mom and dad
Are just shock troops of gentrification
For the single young professionals
Who find the neighbourhood hip and charming
But if they knew about the lady
Who got chopped up in the alley
They'd pro'bly find it alarming

And that's what keeps the rent down, baby
That's what keeps the rent down low
That's what keeps the rent down, baby
Yeah, that's what keeps the rent down low...