The New Black Mans Burden

Take Up The Black Man's Burden
Take Up The Black Man's Load
Take Up The Black Man's Burden
Can You Handle My Soul?

Try Fitting Every Description
Try Dropping Out Of School For Lack Of Funds
Try Joining The Military
Of A Country That Hates Her Sons.

Try Growing Up With No Father
Avoiding The Strains Of The Streets
Try Hearing Your Mother Cry
For Lack Of Money And No Food To Eat.

Try Walking Into A Store
And Know That Everybody Watching You
Try Stepping On The Bus
And Watch The Old White Women’s Face Turn Blue.

Try Fighting For Life Under The Influence
Of Pepper Sprayed Eyes And A Detained Arm
Try Telling That Judge And Those Lawyers
That You Are Innocent, While Remaining Calm.

Try Wearing FUBU Or Rocawear
Sean John And Phat Farm Gear
Try Writing A Rhyme Or A Lyric
Try Preaching God’s Love To A World That Will Never Hear.

You Say What You’d Like About My Brothers
They’re Strong And Steadfast In All That They Do
They May Fit Your Description
But None Of What You Say Is True.