Children, I come back today To tell you a story of the long da… That I had to climb, that I had t… In order that the race might live… Look at my face —dark as the night…

Remember The days of bondage— And remembering— Do not stand still. Go to the highest hill

You sicken me with lies, With truthful lies. And with your pious faces. And your wide, out—stretched, mock—welcome, Christian hands.

It would be nice In any case, To someday meet you Face to face Walking down

Where is the Jim Crow section On this merry—go—round, Mister, cause I want to ride? Down South where I come from White and colored

2 and 2 are 4. 4 and 4 are 8. But what would happen If the last 4 was late? And how would it be

Gather quickly Out of darkness All the songs you know And throw them at the sun Before they melt

How quiet It is in this sick room Where on the bed A silent woman lies between two lo… Life and Death,

To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening