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 now, love   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   Yeah, and I made a choice      Smoke and ashes   Tonight hide the stars   The stop lights are red now, love   We 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 that the sun will come up      For something walks across these fields   For which there is no name   Now, you might have heard different, sonny   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, man   Yeah, 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, yeah      Now, there's a riot on Sunset   And fires burnin' in the park   The sun has set my friend   And California's dark