26: Take A Knee by Celita
Instrumental “A Change is Gonna Come”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5v1iWoDWaQ
Sam Cooke Sample - A Change is Gonna Come
If you are interested in gaining resources and education on how to foster discussions on racial reconciliation then I encourage you to visit the Be the Bridge website: https://beabridgebuilder.com/
Take A Knee
As I put a leather whip in my grip
And adjust the fit so it can strip the skin off your back
With each whack
I’ve got to land the strap strategically
But you’re standing too high boy
I see too much pride boy
Do you want to die boy?
Take a knee
We see each other on opposite ends of sidewalks
And with each step the distance between us lessens
Walking brings into focus skin differences
The width of the path, will not allow both of us to pass
And my black skin is no match for your white shell
I’ve got to step down curbs and avert eyes
But it’s not enough, I can see
You thinking, better for you to bow boy
I’m better than you now boy
Don’t wait for death to show you how boy
To take a knee
Wife picking cotton in the fields
Sun shine down and belly swells with life
Water dripping from forehead cannot provide enough cool
To stay the heat beating and exhaustion building
Fainting is unacceptable and inevitable
Master comes down on her like a rushing bull
Beating her head and body
He makes you watch helplessly
And says
Beg for her life boy
Beg for your wife boy
Don’t you think twice boy
Take a knee
Arrested for possession
Three strikes ain’t learned your lesson
No one taught an education on addiction
We’ll criminalize your habit
Never mind why you have it
The officer is too scared of you to listen
Your case will never go to trial
Poverty will keep you locked up a long while
And soon you’ll be forced to take a plea
Don’t resist arrest boy
I’ll hit you in the chest boy
I’m wearing a bullet proof vest boy
Take a knee
Body left in the street
An example for the rest
This is what happens when you tangle with the police
Mom can’t believe what she see’s
Trying to catch her breath
Not sure if she’ll ever be able to find peace
They say he looked suspicious
The say he fit the profile
They say a neighbor called, “He’s walking dangerously”
You pray to God “they just don’t trust us”
You pray to God “they want to crush us”
You pray to God “please give me justice”
And take a knee
But I’m now offended by your docile position
When brought on by your own accord
Don’t use sports to remind me of your oppression
You’re not getting paid to show support
To your own issues and concerns
When you should be supporting my flag
I can’t have your cause front and center
When I’m so used to you at my back
So stand nigga stand
I come to watch you dance
Entertain me on the field
I pay to be entranced
You should listen to this advice and accept it gracefully
Play sports - that’s how you’re wired
So ungrateful, you should be fired
I’m so damn tired of
Take a knee
