Back in the ‘60’s the movement began
From Memphis to Selma the freedom trains ran
Rallies and demos the fires did fan
As civil rights came into focus

The blood that was spilt in the long civil war
Was spilt over freedom that lies at the core
Of the rights that Americans proudly adore
But still hadn’t come into focus

Sit-ins in D.C. and marching in Jackson
Riots in Watts, Chicago, Manhattan
Whites joining hands with Afro-American
These are the stories I heard

The slaves freed in the south still had to pay fees
Before they could vote or sit where they please
In busses or classrooms or carry the keys
To rights that were still not in focus

Then following Abraham, Martin and Bobby
The civil rights movement turned into a lobby
The 13th Amendment was not just a hobby
Equality came into focus.

Sit-ins in D.C. and marching in Jackson
Riots in Watts, Chicago, Manhattan
Whites joining hands with Afro-American
These are the stories I heard

Some folks from the movement of before 40 years
Saw “a dream” realized, and many shed tears
When 2008, with hugs and with cheers
They welcomed Obama in focus

Sit-ins in D.C. and marching in Jackson
Riots in Watts, Chicago, Manhattan
Whites joining hands with Afro-American
History turned into legend