Don’t Stand Still (Honoring Lillian Jackson)

From the Album Don’t Stand Still

Born in Memphis, Tennessee
I’m the oldest in my family
Keep on moving, don’t stand still
To the state of Alabama
Where my Grandparents owned land
Keep on moving, don’t stand still

Sometimes you got to give
Sometimes you got to take
But when it comes to freedom
You just cannot wait
Keep on moving, don’t stand still

Then with my family
To St. Louis, Missouri
Keep on moving, don’t stand still
Where the bridge began to shake
In a riot over race
Keep on moving, don’t stand still

Sometimes you got to give
Sometimes you got to take
But when it comes to freedom
You just cannot wait
Keep on moving, don’t stand still

On Lyndale and seventh street
I got back up on my feet
Keep on moving don’t stand still
Where the color of my skin
Doesn’t keep me from going in
Keep on moving, don’t stand still

Sometimes you got to give
Sometimes you got to take
But when it comes to freedom
You just cannot wait
Keep on moving, don’t stand still

Now when I sleep at night
I live my life twice
Keep on moving don’t stand still
Practice love, do not hate
Now’s the time to integrate
Keep on moving, don’t stand still
Sometimes you got to give
Sometimes you got to take
But when it comes to freedom
You just cannot wait
Keep on moving, don’t stand still

Words & Music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 1998 | BMI

*Lyrics collectively written with students from Whittier International School for the Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota through Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song program in partnership with Community Celebration of Place.

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