There was a time our happiness seemed never-ending
I was so sure that where we were heading was right
Life was a road so certain and straight and unbending
Our little road with never a crossroad in sight
Back in the days when we spoke in civilized voices
Women in white and sturdy young men at the oar
Back in the days when I let you make all my choices
We can never go back to before
There was a...
[PEOPLE OF HARLEM]
His name was Coalhouse Walker.
[SOLO MAN 1]
Was a native of St. Louis some years before.
[SOLO WOMAN 1]
When he heard the music od Scott Joplin
[SOLO MAN 2]
In St. Louis
[SOLO WOMAN 2]
Bought himself some piano lessons
Working as a stevedore.
[SOLO MAN 3]
Here was a music
That truly inspired.
[LADIES]
Dancers required him.
[MEN]
Club owners hired him.
[ALL]
the strivers of H...
[FATHER]
Where have I been?
How did we change,
Caught in this strange
New music?
Say,
Was I away too long?
[MOTHER]
Just like that tune,
Simple and clear,
I've come to hear
New music.
[FATHER]
New music.
Why,
Why can't you hear the song?
[YOUNGER BROTHER]
His fingers stoke those keys,
And every note says "Please",
And every chord says "Turn my way."
[MOTHER, FATHER]
I thought I knew
What love ...
[COALHOUSE]
I see his face.
I hear his heartbeat.
I look in those eyes.
How wise they seem.
Well, when he is old enough
I will show him America
And he will ride
on the wheels of a dream.
[COALHOUSE]
We'll go down South
[SARAH]
Go down South,
[COALHOUSE]
And see your people
[SARAH]
See my folks.
[COALHOUSE]
Won't they take to him
[SARAH]
They'll take to him
[COALHOUSE]
Like cats to cream
[SARAH...
[SARAH]
Ooh...
Daddy played piano,
Played it very well.
Music from those hands could
Catch you like a spell.
He coul dmake you love him
'Fore the tune was done.
You have your daddy's hands.
You are your daddy's son.
Ooh...
Daddy never knew
That you were on your way.
He had other ladies
And other tunes to play.
When he up and left me,
I just up and run.
Only thing in my head-
You were your dadd...