Sent to the store for a loaf of bread My Mama said with a pat on the head Go straight to the store, don't make no fuss And remember to sit in the back of the bus.
But, why Mommy?
Getting ready to go outside and play 'Cause it was such a nice sunny day Mama said to be good and to mind But remember those kids next door, they ain't our kind.
A new church went up just down the street The music on Sunday it sounded so neat I asked my mama if I could go to Sunday School She said, they ain't our people, don't be such a fool.
I'm 16 now, growing older and wiser In school I want to learn more and more But the teachers ignore me and hold me back My Mama says it's 'cause my skin is too black.
Why, Mommy, does it have to be this way? Why, Mommy, I just want to play? Why, Mommy, a cry heard throughout time. Why, Mommy, a haunting echo in our mind.
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