A lot of folks were weary
As Rosa Parks sat down
For one more crowded, dreary
Bus ride home cross-town
Sure Rosa Parks was tired
Of being on her feet
So though the law required
That she give up her seat
Because it was demanded
By a man who was white
Just like a tree that's planted
She sat with all her might
Rosa Parks Rosa Parks Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks Rosa Parks Rosa Parks
A brave determination
Reflected from the eyes
Of this respected matron
As she refused to rise
She sat as if commanded
By destiny to stay
She sat as if God granted
Her special strength that day
To face the hostile fury
Of white-hot hate she saw
The threat of judge and jury
Upholding Jim Crow law
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Rosa Parks Rosa Parks Rosa Parks
The police came and jailed her
And charged her with a crime
Although her friends then bailed her
Out in almost no time
The Negroes had been made mad
Heads had begun to shake
And some were saying they'd had
About all they could take
Of the humiliation
They all were made to barer
By bus seat segregation
For which they paid full fare
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Rosa Parks Rosa Parks Rosa Parks
Next night they held a meeting
The church was packed and jammed
As they discussed bus seating
Most said they would be damned
If they'd continue riding'
With Jim Crow. They would not
They ended up deciding
To call a bus boycott
The city was Montgomery
In Alabama where
White folks can be quite ornery
So black folks best beware
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Rosa Parks Rosa Parks Rosa Parks
But now with Negroes showing
Few signs of age-old fear
They kept that boycott going
For nearly 'bout a year
Kept walking, walking, walking
Formed carpools; never balked
Despite the racists squawking
They walked and walked and walked
Until they forced submission
Made segregation yield
Until Jim Crow was driven
Defeated from the field
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Rosa Parks Rosa Parks Rosa Parks
Montgomery Alabama
The unity displayed
In that bus boycott drama
Oh, what a change it made
Led by heroic Rosa
So dignified and brave
America should know the
True leadership she gave
Heroes who have the courage
To make historic marks
Are people we should cherish
Like Mrs. Rosa Parks
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Rosa Parks Rosa Parks Rosa Parks