Come here, boys, playin' in the schoolyard
(Watch out, boys)
I need to have your time and attention
Oh, I've got crack and things like that
(What, oh no, don't do it )

And I guarantee your money back
(Watch out, boys)
If the trip ain't right
(What are you talking about?)

Come here, girls
(No)
Standin' on the corner
(Watch out, girls)
I need to have your time and attention
(Don't listen, stop talking that smack)

Well, you work for me, your rent is free
(What? Don't listen, go back home)
And promise job security
If you throw it right
(Give it up)

We look in the mirror every morning
Not realizing there's a warning
These are our children
Don't let them slip away
We've got to uplift them
Give them guidance
Show them a future free of sadness
If we ignore
(This)
Well, it's on ya

Where do the children play?
They're living a come what may
Where will they play?
They can make it
Just lead them on their way

Oh Lord, they're living in a wicked world
Where will they play?
You know you better find out
'Cause their future begins today

Come here, kids
(Yo, please listen)
Searching in the darkness
(We've got something, listen up)
I need to have your time and attention
(Just listen, you better pay attention)

It's okay to lay your blame
(Tell 'em, Lord)
I died for you so with no shame
(You can call)
You can call my name
We're reading the labels every morning
Not seeing the writings or the warnings
They're living in a world not their own
Show them a place where love is holy
Lead them away from sad and lonely
If you don't do it, well, It's on ya

Where do the children play?
They're living a come what may
Where will they play?
They can make it
Just lead them on their way

Oh Lord, they're living in a wicked world
Where will they play?
You know you better find out
'Cause their future begins today

Give them a future