His father is passing away And he coughs all night long My mother won't kiss me goodbye For on the same bed we stay For on the same bed we lie But there's one thing I can't recall There's only one answer I'd love to know Are we running away? Will we make it through the gate? Will we run, run, run away? My friend keeps on saying that she's great And she says everything's fine everything's great But her man doesn't look quite the same 'Cause he's down on talent and pride needles and shame Are neglected responsibilities What me and my people run from? Distracted from topicalities Are we losing the sense of our role?