As children we follow our parents example,
Their outlook on life becomes our view too.
We didn't know any different.
It's just the way it was.
The Blue Bus for whites, the Green Bus for blacks.
We sat in the bus shelter, they stood in the sun.
We were served first, they waited their turn.
It's just the way it was.
We lived in residential areas,they lived in locations.
White schools, black schools.
Freedom for us, curfews for them.
It's just the way it was.
They waited on us at table,
And ate off tin plates in the yard.
It did not worry me, I was a child;
It's just the way it was.
Times and attitudes have changed,
And my children scorn at the way we lived;
They don't know how we accepted that
It's just the way it was.
As we look to the future,
What are their children going to say
About the life they have accepted because,
It's just the way it was.
Dear Lord, let us pray for peace,
Your love to fill our land.
Teach us to reject the injustice of accepting
It's just the way it was.
And Lord, may the new tomorrow bring
Repentance and acceptance in all our hearts;
May Your message of love be passed on,
This is the way it should be.
(By Doreen Hardie)
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