Tribute To The Pain

I would like to pay a tribute to the pain
To the brave and dedicated in heart that were slain
Their lights extinguished so that freedom for all could rain

When I read in history that it was not so long ago died they our brothers 
There was Martin, Malcolm, Kennedy, and countless others
I wonder sometimes does it really matter, does anyone really care
So much blood was shed for freedom we could share

Everywhere I look those freedoms are being challenged
Did things really change, or is this a new generation of malice
The freedoms gained they tell us are no longer needed
Lessons learned from history still go unheeded

If those who oppose our freedoms, would take a ride to our neighborhoods
Notice the different scenery, the streets, and the parks, houses that don’t look so good
America remember the blood that flowed, remember those that suffered the pain
For my country ‘tis a be, from every mountainside let freedom rain

Chris Brown
November 26, 1997