I went down to the market To buy whatever I needed I told the woman who worked there I was afraid to leave my home She said son, my son, that's what I feel ev'ry day Son, my son, that's what I feel ev'ry day I got back in my automobile To fill the tank again I told the station worker I was afraid to go downtown She said son, my son, that's what I feel ev'ry day Son, my son, that's what I feel ev'ry day At the demonstration I faced all the police I saw the fear behind their eyes I just wanted to tell them Son, my son, we don't have to live this way Son, my son, we don't have to live this way Sons and daughters we don't have to live this way I laid my head on the pillow Safe and sound at home I prayed to God for an answer I only wanted one answer: How do we help each other? She said son, my son, that's what I ask ev'ry day Son, my son, that's what I ask ev'ry day