Came a Long Way

Minds led astray, wonder why you’d let a traitor portray
who you are, mirror yourself in them, and fade away
the land of the free and the home of the brave, a cliché
and they won’t hesitate to slay, so prepare for foul play  
you came a long way, but where exactly are you today
when I look at you, I see death, destruction and decay
had a life, kids and a beautiful wife, when they took you away
death is your destination if you dare to disobey, they’d say
so some decided to obey, while others kneeled to pray
you’d think these days are passé, think again, are they
did ‘The Birth of a Nation’ make 5 million join the kkk

wonder why all this strife, little boy has a hunger and thirst for life
‘dreams burst like bubbles in the wind’, long lost in ignorance and sin
cursed, like cape coast castle, in all baskets you’ll find rotten apples
open season on ‘gangstas’, yet ordinary people first in line for caskets
the dream and passion has turned to ashes, no one left to lead the masses
your hands are free, but your mind and spirit are still in shackles

you went through emancipation, then came the segregation
gave you the illusion of power, invited you to the table of negotiation  
still label you a maniac, and if you rise you’re facing assassination
painted the president black, but half of you still caught in incarceration
the few leaders you had, where dealt with by the bureau of investigation
a new generation, of kids murdering each other over gang affiliation
never fought for changes, but you’ll kill and die for your reputation
so ask yourself how far you really came, coincidence or premeditation
-ASK