It started in basementsnAnd it started in shedsnIt started in backyardsnAnd was hidden under bedsnI turned on the TVnDon't believe a word they saynWe can't stay herenAnd we can't get awaynnThere's a riot on SunsetnAnd fires burn in the parknThe sun has set my friendnAnd California's darknnAnd over the screamingnI heard a clear voicenI looked at my choicesnAnd I made a choicenSmoke and ashesnTonight hide the starsnThe stop lights are red now, lovenWe've come for what's oursnnThere's a riot on SunsetnAnd fires burn in the parknThe sun has set my friendnAnd California's darknnCome stand among the rattlesnakesnAt the side of the desert roadnAnd close your eyes and listennTo the music hard and coldnTonight the moon is blackenednTonight the doors are shutnBehind the shuttered windowsnWe pray the sun will come upnFor something walks across these fieldsnFor which there is no namenYou might have heard differentnBut I was there when it camenIt will start with a sparknAnd a great fire will grownDon't know how I know itnBut I just knownnThere's a riot on SunsetnAnd fires burn in the parknThe sun sets everywherenAnd the whole damn country's darknThere's a riot on SunsetnAnd fires burn in the parknThe sun has set my friendnAnd California's dark