I remember a funny man who used to make us laugh

But the proof of his truth--they cut his life in half

A caustic wit that cut a bit--opinions were too strong

He must have rubbed somebody wrong

Cuz he's long time gone



I remember a crucial man--played strat' with his left hand

Tunes he chose of "Gold and Roe" and "Castles Made of Sand"

Social ills--hi conscience willed a different type of song

Sang about "lead"--click, BANG! He's dead--he's long time gone



I remember an ebony prince who taught his brothers pride

Said the black man's loss--just another cross on which another prophet has died

Some people wanted them leaderless--a race of hungry pawns

Their solution to his revolution: To make him long time gone



Though some will object when you suspect

That they cause to affect the cause and effect

When you reflect on lives that were checked

Still in retrospect the truth was neglected

Though some will protect the order they pecked

For failing to suspect the cleansing effect

Till you they reject with a Haitian insect

With AIDS they infect by a bite on the neck

Like the Nazi correct--kill and dissect

"The inferior Sect", their race to protect



I remember a gentleman who took his cause o far

Said not to be afraid but to parade and be just what you are

Defied the name of guilt and shame, he proved his skeptics wrong

Must have said something wrong, cuz now he's long time gone



(For Lenny Bruce, Jimi Henrix, Malcolm X, Harvey Milk and all.)