Biography series: Frederick Douglass

The early days

by Joel Howard

Inspired by the life and early years of Frederick Douglass

All work, no play

All work, no play

Just a few hours of play

On Saturday

Haven't seen my mom

Never met my dad

Mom walks for miles

Just to hold my hand

Pain lays blows upon my back

I dream of escape, of running away

All work, no play

All work, no play

I would be the slave they could not break

I would be the slave they would not break

I promise you, mother, we will escape

They will not break us

Back in the early days

Mother walked miles

To see my face

Walked for miles

For my embrace

I would be the slave they could not break

I would be the slave they could not break

I promise you, mother, we will escape

I was the slave they could not break

Inside I have a freedom they cannot take

I will be the one they cannot break

As mother held my hand, make no mistake

I will be the one they cannot break

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