While I realize that most here weren't around at the time, I'm watching a documentary on PBS, "Freedom Riders." I was only 9 at the time, but I saw the televised reports and read the stories in the paper (Yes, I read the paper at that age ... and not just the comic and sports sections.
I was living in Florida at the time yet was somehow "protected" by the redneck southern media at the time. The coverup and bias was in full force. In spite of the filters information seeped through.
I became aware in later years of Bob Dylan's assessment as well as other white folk groups a bit down the road. Sadly I had no access to any Blues or "Negro" songs in reaction. I'm a bit embarrassed that it took a Brit to encapsule my feelings in sparse lyrics. I'm a fan of reading between and expanding on lines to suit my needs:
"Freedom Rider"
Like a hurricane around your heart
When earth and sky are torn apart
He comes gathering up the bits
While hoping that the puzzle fits
He leaves you
He leaves you
Freedom rider
With a silver star between his eyes
That open up at hidden lies
Big man crying with defeat
See people gathering in the street
You feel him
You feel good
Freedom rider
When lightning strikes you to the bone
You turn around, you're all alone
By the time you hear that siren sound
Then your soul is in the lost and found
Forever
Forever
Freedom rider
Here it comes
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What brought tears to my eyes are not only the painful memories but the knowledge that "it ain't over."
My apologies for the intrusion.
Fuck You.