Over Alameda

Mama'd tell me of her hopes
 And what she hoped to leave behind
 And what she thought that she would find
 Out in California
 She'd talk about Mississippi
 If any place could be worse than this
 It's hard to believe
 She's say, "Baby, if I could
 "Y'know I'd buy us a home
 "Over Alameda
 "Where the green grass grows"
 Now when she left the Delta
 It was 1966
 Come to Los Angeles
 She was nine years old
 And there was work to be had
 Grandaddy worked at Firestone
 Made enough to buy a home
 Out in (Wilmington?)
 Then the jobs moved out
 Grandaddy died and we lost the house
 Moved into the Jordan Downs
 And been here ever since
 Mama'd say there's something better
 I'd say I know that there is
 Over Alameda
 Where the white folks live
 97th and (Laurel?)
 It's all I've ever known
 I'm nineteen years old
 Just yesterday
 And what I have seen
 All I've discovered
 Is there's nothing for a boy of color
 But to fight
 And I'l keep on fighting
 'Cause they (ain't whipped me yet?)
 Going over Alameda
 Like Mama said