Harriet Tubman
(source: "Rise Up Singing", Peter Blood and Annie Patterson, 1992.)

Thanks very much to Diana J., who e-mailed this song to me!

Last night I dreamed I lived in slavery
'Bout 1860 was the time
Sorrow was the only sign
Nothin' around to ease my mind
Out of the night appeared a lady
Leading a distant pilgrim band
First mate she called pointing her hand
Make room on board for this young woman...

Chorus (snapping to beat):

Singin' come on up, mmmmmm, I've got a life line
Come on up, to this train of mine
Come on up, mmmmmm, I've got a life line
Come on up, to this train of mine
She said her name was Harriet Tubman
And she drove for the underground railroad (4 beats snapped out)
Who are these people dressed in red
They must be the ones that Moses led (2X)
Hundreds of miles we traveled onward
Gathering slaves from town to town
Seeking every lost and found
Setting those free that once were bound
Somehow my heart was growing weaker
I fell by wayside sinking sand
Firmly did this lady stand
Lifting me up and taking my hand

Then I awoke, no more I faltered
Finding new strength in paths we're shown
Sisters and brothers fleeing their homes
History, their people, all they've known
And they are fleeing their homes in Guatemala
Chile, Brazil, El Salvador
Fleeing from the prisons and war
Through the night and to our door
Will we sing come on up...