Where were you before the building burned; Where were you before the building burned? You've got a lot to say--Standing over ashes cold and gray; But yesterday--Where were you? Where were you before the building burned; Where were you before the building burned? You are horrified, but where were you when the baby died Of rat-bites--Where were you? Where were you before the building burned; Where were you before the building burned? You call the clubs and guns to beat down our maddened sons-- When they were quiet ones, Where were you? Where were you before the building burned; Where were you before the building burned? That indignant voice is just a lot of empty noise Cause when you had the choice, Where were you? Where were you before the building burned; Where were you before the building burned? You've got a lot to say--Standing over ashes cold and gray; But yesterday--Where were you?