I Hear You Paint Houses - Robbie Robertson, Van Morrison

Shall we take a little spin?

To the dark side of town

You went up against the mob

And now the curtain’s comin' down

They ordered me to make the hit

And there will be dust and bones

They want him buried in the ground

Where he never will be found

I hear you paint houses

You’re a gun for hire

I hear you paint houses

Down to the wire

I hear you paint houses

Was all they had to say (Was all I had to say)

Some call it street justice (Street justice)

When they carry you away

Hope my father up above

Will forgive me for my sins

He raised me up to know better

But now the walls are closin' in

I got caught up in this wicked world

But it is the life I chose

When you fall into the snake pit

Where the emperor has your clothes

I hear you paint houses

You’re a gun for hire

I hear you paint houses

Right down to the wire

I hear you paint houses

Was all they had to say (Was all I had to say)

Some call it street justice (Street justice)

When they carry you away

I trusted him, he trusted me

One of us made a big mistake

When you cross the big boss

You ain’t gonna catch a break, no

I got a bullet with your name on it

And I’ve got a job to do

The results ain’t too pretty

Puttin' the cement in your shoes

I hear you paint houses

A gun for hire

I hear you paint houses (I hear you paint houses)

Right down to the wire (Right down to the wire)

I hear you paint houses (Houses)

Was all they had to say (Was all I had to say)

Some call it street justice (Call it street justice)

When they carry you away (When they carry you away)