Song for Sam Cooke (Here in America)

We traveled this land back in nineteen sixty-two We played the places that were home to me and you We drove to Memphis, rocked a set We walked the streets at night and smoked a cigarette Here in America Here in America There was so much I didn't know About the way that life could go Here in America Down the block I saw the people stop and stare You did your best to make a Yankee boy aware I never thought about the color of your skin I never worried 'bout the hotel I was in Here in America Here in America (In America) But the places I could stay They all made you walk away Here in America You were the man who earned the glory and the fame But cowards felt that they could call you any name You were the star, standing in the light That won you nothing on a city street at night Here in America Here in America You were told that we were free This land is made for you and me Here in America Here in America You stayed more steady than a backbeat on a drum You told me you believed a change was gonna come You sang for freedom but lived life free I saw it in your smile and in your dignity Here in America Here in America A preacher's kid you'll always be Singing the truth to set us free Here in America Here in America You were a star when you were standing on a stage I look back on it, I feel a burning rage You sang "You Send Me", I sang "I Wonder Why" I still wonder, you were way too young to die Here in America Here in America Hey, Sam, I wish that you were near I wish that you were here Here in America Here in America America In America Here in America