Lightning Bolt I was born a lightning bolt, but I don't know from where or how. A bolt; shocking, black; a brother, nothing lack; but from where, and I don't know how. Here We Go Sometimes I wonder about my freedom and this dealt hand; it seems the most hated of creation, is still the black man. Makings Waves A lot of folks made waves, some high; and we rode them too, at times with both eyes shut, tight, squeezing; we rode them, screaming; holding on for dear life. We rode them to the school yard, and to the ballot box, past those no coloreds signs. We rode them to freedom too; sometimes we forget that. We rode them to pride, much pride; and to the jail house. We even rode them to The White House. Too often though, we rode. We just rode. Look Around Gnoming around aimlessly; what's the matter with you! And mixing-in frail solutions, such a toxic brew. Just look around at the circumstances, and folks that already do, devising clever schemes gladly, to re-enslave you. That's Jim Crow What's that sound, heard round-about this shore? That's Jim Crow, knocking at the door. It's like no call, I've ever heard before. That's Jim Crow, knocking at the door. It's a terrifying cry, like sounds of voices I know! That's Jim Crow, knocking at the door. And it speaks, words, thought long gone, forgotten; no more! That's Jim Crow, knocking at the door. Good Sense Just saw this lady, talking to herself; I think she’s homeless; and she was making good sense; how folk ought to stop all this fussin and fightin; and she was making good sense. Window Gazing Listen to me carefully now; on this, I'm going for broke. I think the world's a much better place, with all these colored folk. Collectively I hear your words; I've heard what you’ve said. You don’t want my help. I heard what you said. What’s Life I’m struggling, I must admit, and pondering all the chatter, when I consider this God-given gift, and the colors of lives, that matter. Water's Edge I fear we're at the water’s edge; these things I never wanted to see! Shockers; robbers; and again the hanging tree. Great God almighty! Raised by hornets and the stinger bee. My Lord, have mercy; Jesus, have mercy on me. My Brother What’s up with that, man; it’s always the first! It’s always the worst they first believe. First. These Powers I know the depths of your hatred and rage, but it does have its limits;
God holds the handle on powers that be, and as for you,
His strength is not in it. We Pray We do pray to the same God. I wonder, what would The Lord say about the things we do to each other? Lord in your mercy, may we hear your prayer. Hey Brother You know, it’s troubling; it really is troubling to think, that when the cops show up, the help might stink. Let It Slide We do want mercy treatment, and generously as the Lord provides; now as for these others; well, let the mercy slide. Hate Incarnate Love hater, Life hater; Innocent hater, Justice hater; Freedom hater, Peace hater; People hater, Everything! Creation hater. Rings Loud It's a society problem, says the loud outburst. None here are second, all are first. Brothers Chill Say, brother man, don't be no fool; better clear yourself! We got to run cool. Vicious We're going to stretch your neck, from a tall willing tree, a hanging just like Christ's, for the brother- and sister-hood to see. All Together Now I'm not an immigrant; I'm African American. I'm not African American; I'm free. I'm not free. I'm committed. I'm not committed. I survive. Go We’re not helping; no, we won’t try! What we’re saying here is leave; just leave, or die. Easy Talk They’re not so cheap, but they will come easily. Good Lord, these words; they’re not so cheap; too often though, they show up, easily. Bystanders I didn't strain that brother, I saw it; and I certainly didn't chase those watchers; I saw that too. There were others, onlookers, watching; their voices stilled. Ordered reluctance. We're all innocents. Bystanders. Somewhere To Nowhere Around and around and around. Around.
Following this circle. Around and around and around. Except Not When Here we go, again and again; oh we know to stop, except not when. These Times Good Lord! Send the rain! Cool-off this place. Send the rain. Blameless It's not easy walking between these rain drops. Get-ye-up Hey; yo; brother man, what’s up! We gotta get outa hnere.
The jig is up!