Long Time Gone

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
'cause 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, 'cause now he's long time gone

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