“Trouble in Town” is about how non-white people are treated in western countries while they are not even safe in their own countries. The track features a tape at the end of the song; real audio of policeman brutalizing and racially profiling a non-white innocent man.
[Verse 1: Chris Martin]
Trouble in town
Because they cut my brother down
Because my sister can't wear her crown
There's trouble, there's trouble in town
Blood on the beat (Oh-oh)
Oh my goodness, there's blood on the beat
Law of the jungle or the law of the street
There's blood on, there's blood on the beat
[Chorus: Chris Martin]
And I get no shelter
And I get no peace
And I never get released
[Verse 2: Chris Martin]
Trouble in town (Oh-oh)
Because they hung my Brother Brown
Because their system just keep you down
There's trouble, there's trouble in town
[Chorus: Chris Martin]
And I get no shelter
And I get no peace
And I just get more police, eh
And I get no comfort
And I get no name
Everything is gettin' strange
[Interlude: Young Men & Police Officer Philip Nace, Chris Martin]
Best friends
What's that?
What's his name?
X (Standby, sir)
Alright, is that X your middle name?
Of course, it's on a vehicle ID, right? (There must be some way)
You gettin' smart? 'Cause you'll be in a fucking car with him
I'm telling you
Fucking smartass (Or it's gonna kick off someday)
I'm asking you what the X is, is that your middle name?
Of course, what is it?
Don't come back with the "What is it?" fucking shit (There must be some way)
Talk to these fucking pigs on the street that way, you ain't talking to me that way
I don't talk to nobody in the streets, I don't hang with nobody
Well, then don't come to fucking Philadelphia, stay in Jersey
I have family out here
Everybody thinks they're a fucking lawyer and they don't know jack shit
Are you supposed to grab me like this?
Grab you up? I'll grab you any way I got to
You're not protecting me by stopping me while I'm trying to go to work
Why don't you shut up?
[Instrumental]
[Outro]
U Mandela Siyamthanda futhi uyaziwa yonk'
Indawo jikelele
Jikelele, jikelele
Jikelele, jikelele
Jikelele, jikelele
Jikelele, jikelele
Trouble in Town was written by Chris Martin & Jonny Buckland & Guy Berryman & Will Champion.
Trouble in Town was produced by Rik Simpson & Daniel Green & Bill Rahko.
Coldplay released Trouble in Town on Fri Nov 22 2019.