Though You May Hear Me

Words Like Freedom There Are Words Like Freedom Sweet And Wonderful To Say. On My Heartstrings Freedom Sings All Day Everyday. There Are Words Like Liberty That Almost Make Me Cry. If You Had Known What I Know You Would Know Why.

What Happens To A Dream Deferred? Does It Dry Up Like A Raisin In The Sun? Or Fester Like A Sore-- And Then Run? Does It Stink Like Rotten Meat? Or Crust And Sugar Over-- Like A Syrupy Sweet? Maybe It Just Sags Like A Heavy Load. Or Does It Explode?

We Younger Negro Artists Who Create Now Intend To Express Our Individual Dark-skinned Selves Without Fear Or Shame. If White People Are Pleased We Are Glad. If They Aren?t It Doesn?t Matter.

I, Too, Sing America. I Am The Darker Brother. They Send Me To Eat In The Kitchen When Company Comes, But I Laugh, And Eat Well, And Grow Strong. Tomorrow, I'll Be At The Table When Company Comes. Nobody'll Dare Say To Me, "eat In The Kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll See How Beautiful I Am And Be Ashamed-- I, Too, Am America.

Road's In Front O' Me, Nothin' To Do But Walk.