I have seen desolate places and have cried upon
clouded hill tops all in the name of love
tears stained upon my face for the
sacrifice I have given thee

I have suffered in the name of man
and tasted the blood of the cross for
burdens I do carry as I maintain the role
of being merely my brothers keeper

To live free a man must be totally free
free from chains of racial conflictions
and derogatory actions reaping 
from the color of my skin
or the mere tone of my voice

I had to die in slavery through the paths
of my mind stuff the cotton in dark cracks
of memories as I crawl in a fetal
position and fight the tears that command
their presence like a child I call for 
my mother to save me my woman to love me
and my brothers to respect me

My only defense against the key keepers
is that I walk in Gods light only there
can I be safe and whole and find
the tools I need to build my way
to strengthen my walk
and the extensions to 
gather my faith