Ballad of Courage

Moses was a prophet, a man of holy rage

His voice rolls down like thunder, it echoes age to age

He knew what the Lord was demanding

He knew that his people were standing

Waiting on his word to make their flight

And he knew their sorrow, their uncertain tomorrow

O for the courage of that prophet in the night.

 

Martin led his people, marching through the night

Surely he grew lonesome, weary of the fight

But he knew what the ages were crying

He knew that his people were dying

Hanging on the dream he held aloft

And he knew their sorrow, their uncertain tomorrow

O for the courage of that leader in the night.

 

Oscar, arzobispo, hombre de visión

Habló por los pobres, creyó en su misión

Supo lo que el gobierno tramaba

Supo lo que el Señor demandaba

En la iglesia habló por los oprimidos

Es cierto que supo de su negro futuro

O para tener el valor de este santo de Diós.

 

Nelson sat in prison, a captive of the state

Surely he grew lonesome while his people had to wait

But he knew that justice requires

Patience ‘till the enemy tires

Shining from the prison was a light

His is bitter sorrow, an uncertain tomorrow

O for the courage of that prisoner in the night.

 

Mary had a baby in the dark of night

Surely she grew lonesome, weak and full of fright

Who knew that angels were singing?

Who knew that wise men were bringing,

Gifts of promise, hope for all the world?

She knew her infant’s sorrow, his uncertain tomorrow

O for the courage of that woman in the night.

 

© 1993 Pamela Cardullo Ortiz