There where the spirit of melody sings

There where the rhythm of the big band swings

There in the shadows of the back-stage wings

Stands a post-war lone love-child

Faced with the challenge of life in a ruthless world

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There where they eat up the new B3

There where the race riot bullets fly free

There where the great Motown she be

Stands a young man undefiled

Faced with the challenge of living in a ruthless world

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There where they live out social roles

There where they sport their ermine stoles

There where tradition does guide their goals

Stands a husband meek and mild

Faced with the challenge of giving in a ruthless world

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Val-lee  Val-lee was his red-hot lover

In the days when he ran wild

Val-lee Val-lee was his red-hot lover

Val-lee was the friend with whom he had a child

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There where speed gives careers a boost

There where the killer cocaine is loosed

There where the ego can rule the roost

Stands a rebel eyes of wild

Faced with the challenge of power in a ruthless world

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There where pride goes before the fall

There where the devil does come to call

There where the egotist hits the wall

Lies a hero so reviled

Crushed by greed and lust in a ruthless world

Where is he now does anyone know

Does he still exist did he die from blow

Where is the seasoned home-town pro

Who was by fame beguiled

'Til he fell from the highest tower in a ruthless world

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Here where the east and the west engage

Here where the tall crane sets the stage

Here where humanity comes of age

Out of time in a ruthless world

Here stands the boom-child so self-styled

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Ready for the challenge of living in a ruthless world

Ready for the challenge of giving in a ruthless world

Ready for the challenge of loving in a ruthless world

Ready for the challenge of power in a ruthless world

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