Lord, have mercy, what you gonna do
That some cat said he upped and found
Freedom for the baby child
About the people who are praying to you?
That the man didn't even get to choose
They got men making laws that destroy other men
They've made money 'God' it's a doggone sin
Oh, Lord, you got to help them find the way
Oh, Lord, you got to help us find a way
Lord, have mercy, how you gonna be
They've made money God it's a doggone sin
Slaves all chained and bound
They got men making laws that destroy other men
They've got men building fences to keep other men out
Trying to make the best of a home
Who has not grown old enough to vote
With people like John and me
Lord, have mercy, what you gonna do
Some got to moan the blues
About the people who are praying to you?
Some sing a sad song
Heading for a brand new land
Big ship's a sailing
Ignore him if he whispers and kill him if he shouts
Oh, Lord, you got to help us find a way
Oh, Lord, you got to help us find a way
