How I wish I could bring tenderness, leavening And to bare the fact of each heinous act To which I've been a part Oh, my black American heart
What I'd give and unlearn Should some peace and concern Fill this empty dread On the wire we tread Between fear and disgrace Oh, my red American face
Would my life be in vain If in strife Some small pain I gave up my right To this greed and spite Then what might begin Oh, my white American skin No more
Endlessly journeying Yet to hear freedom ring Must we all be tossed On our nation's cross Before the truth is whole Oh, my lost American soul No more
