Verse 1 Well, they carved out a little square in downtown P-Cola, A patch of grass with sidewalks runnin’ all over the thing. Stuck a statue in the middle, added benches for good measure, And called it a “park,” honey — bless their hearts, bless everything. You can stroll right through it thinkin’ it’s just part of the street, ’Til the sun goes down and suddenly you’ve committed… the crime of having feet. Chorus Stay off the sidewalk, y’all, After six o’clock rolls ’round. ’Cause your shoes in that plaza Are a misdemeanor now. They’ll warn ya, they’ll scorn ya, Then they’ll write your name down— For touching sacred concrete In this tiny “park” downtown. Verse 2 Now Dan from the mug shop crossed the street one night, Just mindin’ his business in the soft twilight. Officer hollered, “Sir! The sun done set! Your left foot is in the park— but your right ain’t yet.” Dan froze like a possum in truck-light fear, Thinkin’, “Lord help me, it’s just a park here!” Chorus Stay off the sidewalk, y’all, ’Cause the city laid down the law. It’s a walkway by morning, A forbidden zone by fall. If your toe hits the median, You’ll feel justice crack its jaw— ’Cause the great MLK Plaza Closes earlier than the mall. Verse 3 Now they’re sendin’ police to guard this park, While real crime’s out there runnin’ wild and free. But don’t you dare step near that statue Or they’ll cuff ya for “trespassin’ Dr. King preached freedom, justice, and rights— Not “Hey folks, get off my sidewalk at night.” Bridge (spoken like a comedy bit) And I swear to God, you could be walkin’ your dog, Crossin’ the street, takin’ a jog— And suddenly you’re a dangerous outlaw ’Cause your Crocs touched city property. Final Chorus Stay off the sidewalk, y’all, After sunset’s final spark. ’Cause this concrete patch of glory Is a high-security park. If your shadow even grazes it, They’ll cite you in the dark— ’Cause in Pensacola, honey, Common sense ain’t always smart. Outro So if you’re downtown strollin’ And the evening sky turns blue— Walk around that patch of park Like it’s Area 51 to you. ’Cause the only thing more dangerous Than crime in this town after dark… Is a law-abidin’ citizen Steppin’ one inch on that ground.
