It isn't nice to carry banners
Or to sit in on the floor
Or to shout our cry of Freedom
At the hotel or the store
It isn't nice, it isn't nice
You told us once, you told us twice
But if that is freedom's price
We don't mind (no, no, no)
We have tried negotiations
And 3-person picket lines
Mr. Charlie didn't see us
And he might as well be blind
Now our new ways aren't so nice
But if that is freedom's price
We don't mind (no, no, no)
How about those years of lynchings
And the shot in Evers' back?
Did you say it wasn't proper
Did you stand out on the track?
You were quiet just like mice
Now you say that we aren't nice
But if that is freedom's price
We don't mind (no, no, no)
We have met with politicians
Given testimonials galore
Studies fill up bookshelves
You just say "study it some more"
Now our new ways aren't so nice
When we deal with men of ice
But if that is freedom's price
We don't mind (no, no, no)
What about the institutions
And the "homes" you want to fill?
Did you say it wasn't proper?
Or prescribe another pill?
You were quite just like mice
Now you say we aren't nice
But if that is freedom's price
We don't mind (no, no, no)
Nursing homes and institutions
Are not places where you grow
What of the two plus million
To whom you just say NO!?!
Is your soul made out of ice?
You're damned right we aren't nice
But if that is freedom's price
We don't mind (no, no, no)
While your waiting lists grow longer
You just cut your inside deals
When you're shuffling the numbers
Do you think how those folks feel?
Now we'll take no more excuses
We have had it with delays
If this is freedom's price
We are paying it today
We don't mind (no, no, no)