Over Alameda

Mama'd tell me of her hopes
What she hoped to leave behind
And what she thought that she would find
Out in California

She'd talk about Mississippi
Still don't know how it is
Any place could be worse than this
It's hard to believe

She'd say, "Baby, if I could
"You 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 on Wilmington Avenue

Then the jobs moved out
Grandaddy died and we lost the house
Moved into the Jordan Downs
Been here ever since

Mama'd say there's somethings better
I'd say I know that there is
Over Alameda
Where the white folks live

97th and Lowell
It's all I've ever known
I'm nineteen years old
Just yesterday

From 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 worked me yet
Going over Alameda
Like Mama said