The Black Man’s Battle Cry

©1993 Johnny Duncan

I’M SICK AND TIRED OF BEING TRIED

Whatever I do is not good Enough.

First, it’s this, then it’s that Other Stuff.

I’ve been on the Witness Stand since Time began.

My only Offense is I’m a Black Man.

Martin is Dead, and Christ’s been Crucified.

I’m Sick and Tired of Being Tried.

You put me on Trial when the Tigris started to Run.

Ever since then, it’s been, “I’ma-get-one.”

If I don’t Scratch when I don’t Itch,

You take my Life with the “Big Bitch”.

Black Men have been Injected, Hung and Fried;

I’m Sick and Tired of Being Tried.

You eat my Honey, and take all my Money,

Want me to laugh, but, Lord, it ain’t funny.

When I fight back, like Nat Turner, I’m a Mystic

‘Cause I REFUSE to be a Vital Statistic.

I told you the Truth and you said I Lied.

I’m Sick and Tired of Being Tried.

Too many Mothers have cried,

And, too many Brothers have died.

The Enemy comes in the Dark, Blue of Night

To put our Pride and Hope to flight.

I’m the First Fired, the Last and the Never Hired.

“I Tellya! I’m Sick and Tired of Being Tried”!