Bootstraps

The American Lie they told
Even as our black ancestors were being stole and sold
They American Lie they told
Even as our black ancestors were working for nothing almost naked in the cold
The American Lie they told
Even while our black ancestors were dipping and dodging from slave patrols
The American Lie they told
While our black ancestors were building their monuments lacquered in gold
The American Lie they told
While our black ancestors shivered and quivered at the sound of horse hoofs
Knowing that they was not one of them were bulletproof
The American Lie they told
When our black ancestors hard earned 40 acres were taken
The American Lie they told
When our black ancestors battle-worn rights were forsaken
The American Lie they told
When our black ancestors bodies were left burning in plain sight
Simply for fighting for those mistaken civil rights
The American Lie, The American Lie
What lie our ancestors now cry
That the Blackman had bootstraps to pull themselves up
When the only boots that were seen were worn by a white man in bluejeans
Pressing on the necks of the black oppressed
To ensure the American Lie that was told
Would never leave the racist stranglehold

Joseph Hall