I recently became a volunteer at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston. I had to go to an orientation class where you are taught your way around the hospital and most importantly, how to be sensitive to patients facing terrifying personal circumstances.
The lady that taught the class was Black and very warm, friendly and articulate. It came across from her that a cancer hospital is a place where fear and trepidation push aside such concerns as race, color and prejudice. She didn't say anything like that. I just realized it when viewing the grace of her person. It was a very nice place to be. This song occurred to me as I listened to her. I hope you like it.
...and my wife is a breast cancer survivor.
It's recorded in a studio but its rough at this point. (Click trk, Ld Vocs, rythm gtr, bass.)
http://www.myspace.com/martinjamesbandJUST A SHADE OF HUMAN CR2009
by Martin James Lide
V1
She was from a small town…split by railroad tracks.
North side live the whites…South side stayed the Blacks
Her mother always said, treat everybody well.
But stay amongst your own, that seems to be God’s will.
V2
All that worked jus fine till a stormy winter night
Her car stalled on those tracks, she was paralyzed with fright.
That train bore down upon her, before her, her life flashed
Then she felt a thud…somehow, it passed.
PC
He said Miss are you all right, I had to hit you from the back
That train was bearing on ya, it’s the only choice I had.
She staired up glassy eyed, shocked and confused.
Said, I never thought I’d owe my life to someone looked like you.
C
He said
I’m just a shade of human, don’t paint me white or Black.
I can’t change this world, but I could get you off that track.
Just a shade of human, it may sound odd.
There ain’t no need to thank me, I’ll get that from God.
V3
A boy wakes in the ER, his eyes fall on the ceiling
Face of another color, asked him how he’s feeling
He said, are you an angel?, did I leave the world
The face said I stayed up all night, to keep you on this earth.
CHORUS
CHORUS
