This song is about the race riot in July 1967 in Detroit. It began the evening of July 22nd. when the police raided an unlicensed bar where a party was going on for 2 black servicemen who had returned from Vietnam. The police arrested all 82 parties, and when they were removing them , a crowd of over 200 had gathered and began attacking the police with bricks and bottles. The city was put on a curfew. For 5 days there was looting, fires, sniper fire, etc. The Governor ordered in 8000 National Guard, and 800 State Police. And President Johnson ordered in 4,700 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division. The riot ended July 27th. Forty-two people were killed, 1,189 people were injured and over 7,200 people were arrested. Over 2500 stores and businesses were destroyed. Property damages were estimated at $32 Million dollars. On August 1st. the curfew was lifted. I think Gord wrote amazing lyrics that tell us very clearly about what happened in Detroit in July 1967. These words in the song say what he felt: "And you say how did it happen / And you say how did it start / Why can't we all be brothers / Why can't we live in peace / But the hands of the have-nots / Keep falling out of reach...."