Song for Sam Cooke (Here in America)

We traveled this land back in nineteen sixty-two
We played the places that were home to me and you
We drove to Memphis, rocked a set
We walked the streets at night and smoked a cigarette

Here in America
Here in America
There was so much I didn't know
About the way that life could go

Here in America

Down the block I saw the people stop and stare
You did your best to make a Yankee boy aware
I never thought about the color of your skin
I never worried 'bout the hotel I was in

Here in America
Here in America (In America)
But the places I could stay
They all made you walk away

Here in America

You were the man who earned the glory and the fame
But cowards felt that they could call you any name
You were the star, standing in the light
That won you nothing on a city street at night

Here in America
Here in America
You were told that we were free
This land is made for you and me

Here in America
Here in America

You stayed more steady than a backbeat on a drum
You told me you believed a change was gonna come
You sang for freedom but lived life free
I saw it in your smile and in your dignity

Here in America
Here in America
A preacher's kid you'll always be
Singing the truth to set us free

Here in America
Here in America

You were a star when you were standing on a stage
I look back on it, I feel a burning rage
You sang "You Send Me", I sang "I Wonder Why"
I still wonder, you were way too young to die

Here in America
Here in America
Hey, Sam, I wish that you were near
I wish that you were here

Here in America
Here in America
America
In America

Here in America