there's a cold wind blowin' through the old east side it cuts with the devil's curse they're turning our people into the streets, while the landloards line their purse with the greenback dollar of the tourist trade there's a fortune to be had make way for the out-of-towners, for the tenants it's just too bad this appears to be their attitude. kick 'em until they're down they're only welfare cases and pensioners and they're easily pushed around we've invited the world to come and stay and celebrate the fair i wonder if the world will understand the homeless walkin' there. i'm alright jack, and how 'bout you? i'm gonna catch this wave that's rollin' through and turn a trick or two i'm alright jack, no flies on me! i'm within my rights, my conscience is clear i am the profiteer the sign says closed for renovation this is a con we all see through it spreads like a poison through the town, monkey see and monkey do turn your slum into a mine, squeeze 'em hard for every dime the people will paint your criminals, but you can't see the crime - chorus - they're all bastards with no morals, overcome by a pitiful greed for years they've taken rent from the tenants, now they bite the hand that feeds they've easily turned a blind eye to all pain and despair and i pray when they rush is over that their gold mines all stand bare i'm alright jack and how about you? gonna catch me a wave that's rollin' throught and turn a trick or two i'm alright jack, no flies on me!! i'm within my rights, my conscience clear i am the profiteer