Richard Pryor Addresses a Tearful Nation

Sometimes I think I've almost fooled myself

Sometimes I think I've almost fooled myself--

Spreading out my wings

Above us like a tree,

Laughing now, out loud

Almost like I was free

I look at you as the thing I wanted most

You look at me and it's like you've seen a ghost-

I wear the face

Of all this has cost:

Everything you tried to keep away from me,

Everything I took from you and lost

Lights shine above me, they're like your eyes above the street

Lights shine below me, they're like stars beneath my feet-

I stood on your shoulders

And I walked on my hands,

You watched me while I tried to fall

You can't bear to watch me land

Take me away, carry me like a dove

Take me away, carry me like a dove-

Love me like you're lying

Let me feel you near,

Remember me for trying

And excuse me while I disappear