Oh, tonight is free
Tonight the streets
Echo the sounds
Of the carnival
Oh, rum will flow
Crowd will grow
Fillin' the streets
As drums start to beat
We got rhythm strong
Burnin' in our thighs
Celebrate all night long
'Cause we were alive

Oh, a rich man come
Shantytowns and slums
Is where you find
Girls and grindin' drums
See her sway
She come his way
Swinging' her hips
Just melt all else away
Fire burns behind
Velvety eyes
Slim silky waist
Can mesmerize
This stranger gone astray
In dark alleyways
Chase her through the crowd
Drums beatin' loud

Oh, shantytown
Oh, shantytown

Dance like a blade
Each move she makes
He shudders with a start
Cut into his heart
The crowd's pressin' in
They dance face to face
We all cheer and grin
When they embrace

Oh, shantytown
Oh, shantytown
Oh, shantytown
Oh, shantytown