Why did he have to die?

Why did he have to die
When all he wanted was peace?
Why did he have to die
Because he wanted violence ceased?
Why did he have to die
Because he wanted to be heard?
Why did have to die
Because he spoke in powerful words?
Why did he have to die
And leave his wife, his children behind?
Why did he have to die
Because justice wasn't blind?
Why did he have to die
Because he made this nightmare a dream?
Why did he have to die
Because it all WAS like it seemed?
Why did he have to die
Because , no longer , to be treated wrong?
Why did he have to die
Because, united, we would be too strong?
Why did he have to die
Because our ancestors built this nation?
Why did he have to die
Because he wanted that representation?
Why did he have to die
Because he was black and he was proud?
Why did he have to die
Because he spoke out free and loud?
Why did he have to die
Because this country wasn't ready?
Why did he have to die
Because our progression was too steady?
Why did he have to die
Because someone was too afraid?
Why did he have to die
Because a way was being made?
Why did he have to die
Because in this home he was too brave?
Why did he have to die
Because "A People" he was trying to save?
Why did he have to die
Because he did what had to be done?
Why did he have to die
Because some coward had a gun?
Why did he have to die
Because the whole world could see?
Why did he have to die
See how they treated you and me?
His death hit us hard, but it opened our eyes
It made us see, by how some, we're despised
His death made some think, made some conconsciousness stream
Because over forty years ago Martin Jr. had a dream.