A SONG OF SOJOURNER TRUTH by June Jordan.

The trolley cars was rollin and the passengers all while when Sojourner just decided it was time to take a seat
The trolley cars was a rollin and the passengers all white when Sojourner decided it was time to take a seat
It was time she felt to rest a while and ease up on her feet
So Sojourner put her hand out tried to flag a trolley down
So Sojourner put her hand out for the trolley crossin town
And the driver did not see her the conductor would not stop
But Sojourner yelled, “It’s me!”
And put her body on the track
“It’s me!” she yelled “And yes
I walked here but I ain’t walkin back!”
The trolley car conductor and the driver was afraid to roll right over her and leave her lying dead
So they opened up the car and Sojourner took a seat
So Sojourner sat to rest a while and eased up on her feet

Refrain:
Sojourner had to be just crazy
telling all that kinda truth
I say she musta been plain crazy
plus they say she was uncouth
talking loud to any crowd
talking bad insteada sad
She just had to be plain crazy
talking all that kinda truth

if she had somewhere to go she said
I’ll ride
if she had somewhere to go she said
I’ll ride
Jim crow or no
she said I’ll go
just like the lady
that she was in all the knowing darkness
of her pride
she said I’ll ride
she said I’ll talk
she said A Righteous Mouth
ain nothing you should hide
she said she’d ride just like the lady that she was in all the knowing darkness of her pride
she said I’ll ride

They said she’s black and ugly and they said she’d really tough
They said if you treat her like a dog well that’ll be plenty good enough
And Sojourner said
I’ll ride
And Sojourner said
I’ll go
I’m a woman and this hell has made me tough
(Thank God!)
This hell has made me tough
I’m a strong black woman
and Thank God!

Refrain:
Sojourner had to be just crazy
telling all that kinda truth
I say she musta been plain crazy
plus they say she was uncouth
talking loud to any crowd
talking bad insteada sad
She just had to be plain crazy
talking all that kinda truth…..

Reference:
June Jordan

Category: Freedom,