Music by 10000 Maniacs - Lyrics by Mary Ramsey & John Lombardo. This was once a city. harmony a common theme. but these complications. now make life a bit uneasy. hallowed buildings scrape the sky. voices ride the airwaves. once a city years gone by. will they still be standing in thecenturies ahead. going underground little children hiding. bullets never meant for them. must there be such bloodshed in our hearts our homes ourheads?. will I be walking walking so free?. this was a city once. this was once a city. harmony a common theme but these complications. once a city once a dream..