Long Time Gone - Intellectual

[Verse 1]

I remember a funny man who used to make us laugh

But the proof of his truth—they cut his life in half

A caustic wit that cut a bit—opinions were too strong

He must have rubbed someone wrong, he's long time gone

I remember Lenny, long time gone

Long time gone

I remember a crucial man—played Strat with his left hand

The tunes he chose of "Golden Rose" and "Castles Made of Sand"

Social ills—his conscience willed a different type of song

Sang about "lead"—click, bang, he's dead—he's long time gone

I remember Jimi, long time gone

Long time gone

I remember an ebony prince, he taught his brothers pride

Said the black man's loss—just another cross on which another prophet has died

Some people wanted them leaderless—a race of hungry pawns

Their solution to his revolution: to make him long time gone

Though some will object when you suspect

That they cause to affect the cause and effect

You're probably correct when you suspect

That they cause to affect the cause and effect

When you reflect on lives that were checked

Still in retrospect the truth was neglected

Though some will protect the order they pecked

For failing to suspect the cleansing effect

'Til you they reject with a Haitian insect

With AIDS they infect by a bite on the neck

Like the Nazis correct—kill and dissect

The "inferior sect" their race to protect

I remember a gentleman who took his cause so far

Said not to be afraid but to parade and be just what you are

Defied the name of guilt and shame, he proved his skeptics wrong

Must have said something wrong, he's long time gone

I remember Harvey, long time gone

I remember Lenny, long time gone

I remember Jimi, long time gone

I remember Malcolm, long time gone