I went down to the river, I set down on the bank. I tried to think but couldn’t, So I jumped in and sank. I came up once and hollered!

I got to leave this town. It’s a lonesome place. Got to leave this town cause It’s a lonesome place. A po’, po’ boy can’t

I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the w… My soul has grown deep like the ri… I bathed in the Euphrates when da… I built my hut near the Congo and…

I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh,

I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams

I catch the pattern Of your silence Before you speak I do not need To hear a word.

Go home and write a page tonight. And let that page come out of you— Then, it will be true. I wonder if it’s that simple?

Down in the bass That steady beat Walking walking walking Like marching feet. Down in the bass

He glides so swiftly Back into the grass— Gives me the courtesy of road To let me pass, That I am half ashamed

You and your whole race. Look down upon the town in which y… And be ashamed. Look down upon white folks And upon yourselves

Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think