I looked upon the book of lifeTracing the lines of face after faceLooking down at their naked feetBound in chains bound in chainsChains of leather chains of gold

We knew it was wrong but we looked awayAnd paraded them down the colonial streetsAnd that's how they became enslaved

They came across on the great ships

Mothers separated from their babesHusbands stood on the auction blockBound in chains bound in chainsChains of leather chains of gold

Men knew it was wrong but they looked away

And led them to toil in fields of white

As they turned their necks to a bitter landscape

Oh the people I hear them calling

Am I not a man and a brother

Am I not a woman and a sister

History sends us such strange messengers

They come down through timeTo embrace to enrageAnd in their arms even stranger fruitAnd they swing from the trees

With their vision in flames

Ropes of leather ropes of goldMen knew it was wrong but they looked awayMessengers swinging from twisted ropeAs they turned their necks to a bitter landscape

Oh the people I hear them calling

Am I not a man and a brotherAm I not a woman and a sisterWe will be heard we will be heard