I worked for a woman, She wasn’t mean— But she had a twelve—room House to clean. Had to get breakfast,

Here I sit With my shoes mismated. Lawdy—mercy! I’s frustrated!

been scared and battered. My hopes the wind done scattered. Snow has friz me, Sun has baked me, Looks like between 'em they done

My old man’s a white old man And my old mother’s black. If ever I cursed my white old man I take my curses back. If ever I cursed my black old mot…

Being walkers with the dawn and mo… Walkers with the sun and morning, We are not afraid of night, Nor days of gloom, Nor darkness—

Where is the Jim Crow section On this merry—go—round, Mister, cause I want to ride? Down South where I come from White and colored

I work all day, Said Simple John, Myself a house to buy. I work all day, Said Simple John,

2 and 2 are 4. 4 and 4 are 8. But what would happen If the last 4 was late? And how would it be

It would be nice In any case, To someday meet you Face to face Walking down

We passed their graves: The dead men there, Winners or losers, Did not care. In the dark

When a man starts out with nothing… When a man starts out with his han… Empty, but clean, When a man starts to build a world… He starts first with himself