curtis mayfield
we the people who are darker than blue
We people who are darker than blue Are we gonna stand around this town And let what others say come true? We're just good for nothing they all figure A boyish, grown up, shiftless jigger Now we can't hardly stand for that Or is that really where it's at? We people who are darker than blue This ain't no time for segregatin' I'm talking 'bout brown and yellow two High yellow girl, can't you tell You're just the surface of our dark deep well If your mind could really see You'd know your color the same as me Pardon me, brother, as you stand in your glory I know you won't mind if I tell the whole story Get yourself together, learn to know your side Shall we commit our own genocide Before you check out your mind? I know we've all got problems That's why I'm here to say Keep peace with me and I with you Let me love in my own way Now I know we have great respect For the sister, and mother it's even better yet But there's the joker in the street Loving one brother and killing the other When the time comes and we are really free There'll be no brothers left you see We people who are darker than blue Don't let us hang around this town And let what others say come true We're just good for nothing they all figure A boyish, grown up, shiftless jigger Now we can't hardly stand for that Or is that really where it's at? Pardon me, brother, while you stand in your glory I know you won't mind if I tell the whole story Pardon me, brother, I know we've come a long, long way But let us not be so satisfied for tomorrow can be an An even brighter day