Some Years Ago - Stevie Wonder

Once upon the blood of many

We were cast as less than any

To so much a point some still believe

Smaller scene, a world much bigger

Where it’s okay to play with the word «nigga»

Yet would we knowing all the grief and death it breeds

But that was some years ago

When we had more hope than money

A time and a world ago

When our hearts were made of steel

Back then it was all about

Stamping all the hatred out

So that now there would be no doubt

Who wouldn’t have to heal

But why if so long ago

We’re seen safe only when funny

As if there’s no need to show

Deep inside what we really feel

Yet those things when brought to view

Seem to bother but a few

No if we don’t come for real

Our wounds won’t heal

Black silhouettes used as target practice

There’s Darkie Toothpaste borne out of this malice

These stereotypical images come to mind

Figurines, mascots, postcards of us hanging

Most recent here, of one of us dragging

The propaganda machine must tell the truth

This time stop lying

But that was some years ago

When we had more hope than money

A time and a world ago

When our hearts were made of steel

Back then it was all about

Stamping all the hatred out

So that now there would be no doubt

Who wouldn’t have to heal

But why if so long ago

We’re seen safe only when funny

As if there’s no need to show

Deep inside what we really feel

Yet those things when brought to view

Seem to bother but a few

No if we don’t come for real

Our wounds won’t heal

But that was some years ago

When we had more hope than money

A time and a world ago

When our hearts were made of steel

Back then it was all about

Stamping all the hatred out

So that now there would be no doubt

Who wouldn’t have to heal

Oh, what if so long ago

We’re seen safe only when funny

As if there’s no need to show

Deep inside what we really feel

Yet those things when brought to view

Seem to bother but a few

No if we don’t come for real

Our wounds won’t heal

No if we don’t come for real

Our wounds won’t heal