Classic Poem

Sistern and brethren, stop fool in' wid pray,
Sistern and brethren, stop foolin' wid pray,
When black face is lifted, Lawd turn-in' way.

2

Heart filled wid sadness, head bowed down wid woe,
Heart filled wid sadness, head bowed down wid woe,
In his hour of trouble, where's a black man to go?

3

We're buryin' a brudder dey kill for de crime,
We're buryin' a brudder dey kill for de crime,
Tryin' to keep what was his all de time.

4

When we's tucked him on under what you goin' to do?
When we's tucked him on under what you goin' to do?
Wait till dey arousin' fo' you?

5

Yo head 'taint no apple fo' danglin' from a tree,
Yo head 'taint no apple fo' danglin' from a tree,
Yo' body no carcass fo' barbecuin' on a spree!