Long Time Gone

I remember a funny man who used to make us laugh But the proof of his truth--they cut his life in half A caustic wit that cut a bit--opinions were too strong He must have rubbed somebody wrong Cuz he's long time gone I remember a crucial man--played strat' with his left hand Tunes he chose of "Gold and Roe" and "Castles Made of Sand" Social ills--hi conscience willed a different type of song Sang about "lead"--click, BANG! He's dead--he's long time gone I remember an ebony prince who taught his brothers pride Said the black man's loss--just another cross on which another prophet has died Some people wanted them leaderless--a race of hungry pawns Their solution to his revolution: To make him long time gone Though some will object when you suspect That they cause to affect the cause and effect