Harlem

I’ve lived many lifetimes, I’m sure most you know

I’ve walked these streets with sins I must atone.

I had some tempo and it gave me some fame

and everyone who saw me knew my name

I’ve lived with people, many I call my brothers

I had a home so unordinary it was like no other

I had music so bad, it’s been played with melanin

I’ve played songs with Bessie Smith and the smooth Duke Ellington

I’ve danced with the people, and I’ve danced with the band

I had rhythm in my feet and performed in a theatre so grand

I was Jazz, and I was melody

Music was in my blood and to make it was my destiny

But I was born into bad business, in guilt I do my time

I walk these streets with the shame of my black hand crimes

I stood against my dark-skinned brothers, we’ve had our many fights

My worst with brother Malcolm in the ballroom of Washington Heights

I’ve abandoned my people, my poor, my uneducated

I disappointed the souls for whom I was dedicated

But I rose from shambles, and the mess that was created

I built my buildings and businesses and jobs I had instated

I danced along these halls and sang myself some fame

But I made many mistakes, and for this I am to blame

These people who were my family, together again we aimed

To once again be a home

Where all know our name