It Isn’t Nice

Malvina Reynolds

C Am It isn't nice to block the doorway F G It isn't nice to go to jail C Am There are nicer ways to do it F G But the nice ways always fail C Am It isn't nice, it isn't nice F G You told us once, you told us twice F G But if that is freedom's price C We don't mind It isn't nice to carry banners Or to sit out on the floor Or to shout our cry of freedom At the hotel or the store It isn't nice, it isn't nice You told us once, you told us twice But if that is freedom's price We don’t mind

We have tried negotiations And the three-man picket lines Mr. Charlie didn't see us Well he might as well be blind Now our new ways aren't nice When we deal with men of ice But if that is freedom's price We don’t mind How about those years of lynchings And the shot in Evers' back Did you say it wasn't proper? Did you stand out on the track? You were quiet just like mice Now you say that we aren't nice But if that is freedom's price We don’t mind It isn't nice to block the doorway It isn't nice to go to jail There are nicer ways to do it But the nice ways always fail It isn't nice, it isn't nice You told us once, you told us twice But thanks for your advice 'Cause if that is freedom's price We don't mind