41 shots and we'll take that ride, cross this bloody river to the other side 41 shots cut through the night You're kneeling over his body in the vestibule, praying for his life Is it a gun, is it a knife, is it a wallet, this is your life It ain't no secret, it ain't no secret, no secret my friend You can get killed just for living in your American Skin 41 shots Liana gets her son ready for school She says "On these streets Charles, you've got to understand the rules. If an officer stops you, promise me you'll always be polite That you'll never ever run away, promise Momma you'll keep your hands in sight." Is it a gun, is it a knife, is it a wallet, this is your life It ain't no secret, it ain't no secret, no secret my friend You can get killed just for living in your American Skin Is it a gun is it a knife Is it in your heart is it in your eyes It ain't no secret, it ain't no secret, it ain't no secret 41 shots and we'll take that ride, cross this bloody river to the other side 41 shots got my boots caked with this mud We're baptized in these waters and in each other's blood Is it a gun, is it a knife, is it a wallet, this is your life It ain't no secret, it ain't no secret, no secret my friend You can get killed just for living in, (you) can get killed just for living in You can get killed just for living in, your American Skin