"Over Alameda (Demo)" lyrics

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

She'd tell me about Mississippi
Still don't know how it is
That 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."

So, when the family left the Delta
It was 1966
Come to Los Angeles
She was ten-years old

Back when there was work to be had
Granddaddy worked at Firestone
Made enough to buy a home
Out on Wilmington Avenue

Then the jobs moved out
Granddaddy died and they lost the house
Moved into the Jordan Downs
And been here ever since

Mama'd say there's something better
I'd say, "I know there is."
Over Alameda
Where the white folks live

Seems out only hope is escape
There's so little hope for change
My mama'd say, "I gotta give it up to God,"
But I don't think even He cares what happens to us

So, 97th and Laurel
It's all I've ever known
I'm nineteen-years old
Just yesterday

And what I have seen
Up to now all I've discovered
Is that there's nothing for a boy of color
But to fight for his life

And I'll keep on fighting
'Cause they ain't licked me yet
Going over Alameda
Just like mama said