By: Cedric McClester

Twenty- seven years
In a prison cell
Like Dante’s Infernal
A version of hell
All he wanted was freedom
For his native land
Where because of apartheid
Things had gotten out of hand

This is a song for Nelson
Who changed everything
A song for Nelson
Is the song that I sing

There on Robben Island
Where he would be still
If not for his courage
And his indomitable will
He led a movement
That endured and prevailed
Even from a prison cell
Locked away in jail

This is a song for Nelson
Who changed everything
A song for Nelson
Is the song that I sing

To say he was transformative
Understates the case
A man for the ages would be better
In its place
He changed a people’s destiny
Saw apartheid get erased
As the father of his country
His name has been encased

This is a song for Nelson
Who changed everything
A song for Nelson
Is the song that I sing

In 1964 an indictment was lodged
Against Nelson Mandela
Accused of sabotage
Which he never denied
Or tried to camouflage
The truth of the matter is
He was guilty by and large
And locked away until he was discharged

This is a song for Nelson
Who changed everything
A song for Nelson
Is the song that I sing

Twenty- seven years
In a prison cell
Like Dante’s Infernal
A version of hell
All he wanted was freedom
For his native land
Where because of apartheid
Things had gotten out of hand

This is a song for Nelson
Who changed everything
A song for Nelson
Is the song that I sing










(c) Copyright 2015, Cedric McClester,  All rights reserved.