In the state of Mississippi many years ago 
Em               G           D 
A boy of 14 years got a taste of southern law 
Am                       Em 
He saw his friend a hanging and his color was his crime 
Em                  G                 D 
And the blood upon his jacket left a brand upon his mind 

Chorus: 
Am                                   Em 
Too many martyrs and too many dead 
        Am          D              G 
Too many lies too many empty words were said 
Am          D             G              (Em optional) 
Too many times for too many angry men 
Am          D              G 
Oh let it never be again 
Am          D         Em