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 hea