Long Time Gone Lyrics - Mdc

I remember a funny man who used to make us laugh 

But the proof of his truth--they cut his life in half 

A caustic wit that cut a bit--opinions were too strong 

He must have rubbed somebody wrong 

'cause he's long time gone 

I remember a crucial man--played strat' with his left hand 

Tunes he chose of "Gold and Roe" and "Castles Made of Sand" 

Social ills--hi conscience willed a different type of song 

Sang about "lead"--click, BANG! He's dead--he's long time gone 

I remember an ebony prince who taught his brothers pride 

Said the black man's loss--just another cross on which another prophet has died 

Some people wanted them leaderless--a race of hungry pawns 

Their solution to his revolution: To make him long time gone 

Though some will object when you suspect 

That they cause to affect the cause and effect 

When you reflect on lives that were checked 

Still in retrospect the truth was neglected 

Though some will protect the order they pecked 

For failing to suspect the cleansing effect 

Till you they reject with a Haitian insect 

With AIDS they infect by a bite on the neck 

Like the Nazi correct--kill and dissect 

"The inferior Sect", their race to protect 

I remember a gentleman who took his cause o far 

Said not to be afraid but to parade and be just what you are 

Defied the name of guilt and shame, he proved his skeptics wrong 

Must have said something wrong, 'cause now he's long time gone 

(For Lenny Bruce, Jimi Henrix, Malcolm X, Harvey Milk and all.)