Standing in the ruins of another black man's life Or flying through the valley separating day and night "I am death!" cried the vulture. "For the people of the light." Charon brought his raft from the sea that sails on souls And saw the scavenger departing, taking warm hearts to the cold He knew the ghetto was a haven for the meanest creature ever known Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people In the wilderness of heartbreak and a desert of despair Evil's clarion of justice shrieks a cry of naked terror Taking babies from their mamas Leaving grief beyond compare Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people So if you see the vulture coming Flying circles in your mind Remember there is no escaping For he will follow close behind Only promise me a battle Battle for your soul and mine Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people Light of the people Light