People moving out, people moving in
Why, because of the color of their skin
Run, run, but you sure can't hide
You better!
Shake a hand make ‘em free, hmm

Well, the only person talking about love thy brother is the preacher… and me
And it seems nobody's interested in learning, but the teacher
Talking ‘bout the Golden Rule

Segregation (segregation), determination (determination)
Humiliation (humiliate)
Obligation to our nation
Ball of confusion, ball of confusion, that's what the world is today
Hey, yeah

The sales of pills are at an all-time high
Young folks walking round with their heads in the sky
The cities aflame in the summertime, why?
Cause people want the heat around
And oh!
And the beat goes on

[Instrumental solo]

Evolution, revolution
Gun control, talking ‘bout the sound of soul
Shooting rockets to the moon, kid growing up says ohh!
The beat goes on
[Many voices combining]
Childhood in my life wasn’t very pretty
You see, I was born and raised in the slums of the city
People moving out, people moving in
The only one talking about love is the preacher
And now I'm gonna tell you, you know, I'm doing fine in my life, cloud nine
Folks, they try to tell me, don't let your ship capsize, don't let life pass you by
The world reality is the rat race where only the strong survive
It's a dog eat dog world
Wake up, world
Wake up, world
Wake up, world
Wake up, world
Wake up, world
Wake up, world
Give peace a chance
Are you afraid?
Time is running out
Give peace a chance
Are you afraid?
Time is running out

Ball of confusion, ball of confusion, that is what is world is today
Hey, yeah

Fear in the air and tension everywhere
Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles new record's a gas
People all over the world shouting War! Huh! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing

Ball of confusion (repeating)