When will equal rights be implemented?
It’s been 400 years, so far.
How much longer?

When will those denied be compensated?
It’s been their peril for 400 years, so far.
How much longer?

When will the reparations begin?
It’s been 400 years, so far.
How much longer?

I’m not black, brown, red, or yellow,
No, I’m white.
Whites are not unaware.
But being aware isn’t enough.
It’s has been 400 years, so far.
How much longer?

Our fearless leaders have been aware.
But being aware isn’t enough.
What have they done?
It’s been 400 years, so far.
How much longer?

Sam Cooke sang us “Change is Gonna Come.”
We sang “Change is Gonna Come.”
We passed the Civil Rights Act.
We passed the Equal Rights Amendment.
We elected a black president.
When will civil rights be implemented?
When will equal rights be implemented?
It’s been 400 years, so far.
How much longer?

We allowed control by the rich and powerful.
They control without paying their fair share.
Their money can now elect those they prefer.
And that is what we got, those they prefer.
It’s been 400 years, so far.
How much longer?

When is “Change Gonna Come?”
When will there be civil rights?
When will there be equal rights?
When will the lynching’s stop?
It’s been 400 years, so far.
How much longer?