I
here within myself
centuries of self hate
that know no way to destruct
that know no way to break loose
chained to myself
as I stand and watch me die
I slowly protest the death of others.
What better way
to say goodbye than this
to toast your young dream
my cup run-eth over
what better way
to leave than to leave
you this way what better way
to say that I understand than
this as I say goodbye I leave…
rhythm and blues
ain’t what it used to be
blues done got Americanize
tellin’ me that I should stay in school
get off the streets
and keep the summer cool
I says
blues ain’t nothing like it used to be
blues done gone and got Americanize
blues done gone and lost its soul
and the folks singing it
ain’t singing for me no more….
Copyright 1970, by Black World reprinted by permission.