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red womin

pain runs from those ancient eyes
strong as a tree grows tall, you thought you’d seen it all
but the white man has brought one more surprise

red womin

you hold your grandchild in your arms
she didn’t feel the pain, but all her blood’s been drained
by the white man’s charms
moved in upon you without warning, they pushed you from your land
you could’ve given up or run, but you chose to take a stand
they left your warrior lying dead beside you with a treaty in his hand

black womin

your children labor in the sun
you look to the sky and plea for the day you can all be free
but the white man holds a gun

black womin

from dawn ’til dark you work the fields
then when the night time comes, the white man takes you in his arms
just to save your life, you yield
somehow you have no freedom, you’ll work until you die
dying won’t come easy . you’ll suffer and you won’t know why
all your hopes are for your children’s children : they’ll escape the white man’s lie

80s after reading creek mary’s blood by dee brown