Mama, when the moon is done
I walk on by the risin' sun
Wishin' all my dreams for every one

It's been a long time comin' I mean love
Spread your wings and fly American dove

Fifteen and he's seen such bad around
The worse thing when they told him
God was money he broke down
He went wild
He is my (the) universal child

It's been a long time comin' I mean love
Spread your wings and fly American dove

Mama - you ask - Am I alright?
Well sure, but Johnnie he (ain't) come home from war
Don't they honor life no more?

It's been a long time comin' I mean love
Spread your wings and fly American dove.

Father, ooh I hear them
They're talkin' in the streets thru the grapevine
Guess I'll go down to meet them
Father I'll never sell my soul
Not this soul of mine

Father it's been a long time comin' I mean love
Spread your wings and fly American dove

Pure as the risin' sun
Tell them the young lord's come (gone)
To bring liberty to every one

Spread your wings
Come on. Spread your wings and fly