When dreams long since are spent
and broken-
when a weary people can no longer
wait-
they will rise up, rise
from raisins and sores and rotten meat,
and they will speak.
They will speak, and speak, and speak,
of heavy loads and great burdens.
Men and women,
young and old,
in the streets of Birmingham,
in street cars,
in churches, schools, restaurants,
they will rise up, rise
from raisins and sores and rotten meat.
And they will speak.
They will speak, and speak, and speak,
on the very steps of freedom,
and listen while their King proclaims his dream.