Evolution (and Flashback) Lyrics - Gil Scott-heron

In 1600 I was a darkie 

Until 1865, a slave 

In 1900 I was a nigger 

Or at least, that was my name 

In 1960 I was a negro 

And then brother Malcom came along 

And then some nigger shot Malcom down 

But the bitter truth lives on 

Martin is dead 

With Martin as our leader 

We prayed, and marched 

And marched, and prayed 

Things were changing 

Things were getting better 

But things were not together 

With Malcom as our leader, 

We learned 

And thought 

And thought we had learned 

Things were better 

Things were changing 

But things were not together 

And now it is your turn, 

We are tired of praying, and marching, and thinking, and learning 

Brothers wanna start cutting, and shooting, and stealing, and burning 

You are three hundred years ahead in equality 

But next summer may be too late 

To look back 

In 1600 I was a darkie 

And until 1865 a slave 

In 1900 I was a nigger 

Or at least that was my name 

In 1960 I was a negro 

And then Malcom came along 

Yes, but some nigger shot Malcom down 

Though the bitter truth lives on 

Well now I am a black man 

And though I still go second class 

Where as once I wanted the white man's love 

Now he can kiss me ass