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.)