Description: I Am A Man words & music by Bryan Field McFarland
© 2008 sassafrasongs ASCAP
(written at the request of Let Justice Roll - http://www.letjusticeroll.org - for the fortieth anniversary
commemoration March 2008)

Don't look at me with disdain,
For I am not a weakling, I am a man.
I stood when to stand
brought severe reprimand,
I spoke, when to speak
brought denunciations from the weak,
and brutal attacks from those in power,
But to me this was my greatest hour,
With chin thrust out and head up proud,
I stood up straight and I said out loud,
I am a man!
And I shall always defy
the oppression of mankind
until the day I die.
~ "I Am A Man" by Robert Worsham

I... (I...)
I am. (I am.)
I am one. (I am one.)
I am a man. ( I am a man.)

Cold... February afternoon
Rain... falling in Memphis
Change... 1968 was NOT too soon
Justice... rising in Memphis

Wage...not enough to make ends meet
Living...and working in Memphis
A job...should keep you out of poverty not in it
Anywhere...including Memphis CHORUS - (I...)

Strike...they stood to make a point & make it heard
Change...turning in Memphis
Cry...a rally call resounding Worsham's words
Echoes...echoes in Memphis CHORUS - (YOU) BRIDGE

Hope thunders even through the storm.
Death cannot assassinate reform.
We'll work until we've changed the norm.
To keep our families fed and warm
We're one with Martin marching in Memphis.

Signs... they raised 'em forty years ago
Right... right here in Memphis.
Roll... like Amos said, "Let justice roll...
For all"... not only for Memphis. CHORUS - (WE)

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Weblinks inspiring & educating the writing of this song:

http://ben-yosef.com/worsham.php
Text & background of Robert Worsham's poem "I AM A MAN".

http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/memphis-v-mlk/
Overview of MLK Jr.'s role in 1968 sanitation worker's strike.

http://www.reuther.wayne.edu/man/1intro.htm
An exhibit honoring the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike.