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