George Mann - My Name is George

My name is George, I’ll get that over now
Just so you know, I’m not just being proud
I’ve had this face, always stood out in a crowd
But now I’m staring at this barren ground

I was given this name— I didn’t have no choice
I take the blame— I never had no voice
But I’m not ashamed— and I am not your boy
I am a man, and I’m freedom bound

But that’s not the way that you see me now in a land that’s still not free
Maybe a hundred years from now we’d be neighbors you and me
Later tonight when the sun goes down and you’re sitting comfortably
Don’t forget that I had a name
Don’t forget I was not afraid

They gather round me ’neath this old oak tree
There’s no way out--- well, none that I can see
But there’s a better world waiting somewhere for me
Oh yes I am, I’m freedom bound

Don’t forget that I had a name
Don’t forget I was not afraid

God bless you all, and keep you safe and warm
I swear to you I never done nobody harm
But here we are in 1894
And a colored man can’t get a trial
My name is George, let’s get this over now
Just so you know, I am not being proud
I’ve had this skin, always stood out in a crowd
But now I’m staring at this barren ground
I am a man, and I’m freedom bound