Starting out with Berkeley Free Speech
And later on at People's Park
The winds of change fanned into flames
Student demonstrations spark
Down to Isla Vista, where police felt so harassed
They called the special riot squad of the L.A. County Sheriff

Well, there's a riot going on
There's a riot going on
There's a riot going on
Student demonstration time

The violence spread down south to where Jackson State brothers
Learned not to say nasty things about southern policemen's mothers
Nothing much was said about it, and really next to nothing done
The pen is mightier than the sword, but no match for a gun

Well, there's a riot going on
Well, there's a riot going on
Well, there's a riot going on
'Cause it's student demonstration time

America was stunned on May 4th, 1970
When rally turned to riot up at Kent State University
They said the students scared the Guard
Though the troops were battle dressed
Four martyrs earned a new degree
The Bachelor of Bullets
I know we're all fed up with useless wars and racial strife
But next time there's a riot, well, you best stay out of sight

Well, there's a riot going on, oh
There's a riot going on
Well, there's a riot going on
Student demonstration time

Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)
Stay away when there's a riot going on (student demonstration)