It Isn’t Nice

It isn't nice to block the doorway
It isn't nice to go to jail
There are nicer ways to do it
But the nice ways always fail
It isn't nice, it isn't nice
You told us once, you told us twice
But if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind

It isn't nice to carry banners
Or to sit in on the floor
Or to shout our cry of Freedom
At the hotel and the store
It isn't nice, it isn't nice
You told us once, you told us twice
But if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind

We have tried negotiations
And the three-man picket line
Mr. Charlie didn't see us
And he might as well be blind
Now our new ways aren't nice
When we deal with men of ice
But if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind

How about those years of lynchings
And the shot in Evers' back?
Did you say it wasn't proper
Did you stand upon the track?
You were quiet just like mice
Now you say we aren't nice
And if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind

It isn't nice to block the doorway
It isn't nice to go to jail
There are nicer ways to do it
But the nice ways always fail
It isn't nice, it isn't nice
But thanks for your advice
Cause if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind