Lament for Emmett Till

Mother, mother, you who bore A son of sorrow, know White washed justice sure will reap More than it can ever sow Cry, cry, lynch Raise your fist Murder, murder, sear the land In more than angry bands Uncle, uncle, he who stood Facing lyncher's eyes A firm hand in Jim Crow's dock of wood Meeting parading child Cry, cry, lynch Raise your fist Murder, murder, sear the land In more than angry bands Tears, blood, and pain Should mix like rain Sorrow comes again If I am dead At heaven's gate Will I be free People, people, you who swore Vengeance for this brutal hour May your unity soar above strife To avenge this young man's life Cry, cry, lynch Raise your fist Murder, murder, sear the land In more than angry bands