Great Migration: Northbound on Sweet Auburn

Lyrics

This rumble in the floorboards.This hum inside my teeth.Leaving the red clay behind for good.Yeah, for good.Packed the skillet, Mama's picture, and the Good Book.Wrapped in a feed sack, tied with twine.The porter, Mister Henderson, he leaned in close, said,"Atlanta's got a street, son. You'll be fine."Just one word whispered in the dark: Auburn.Northbound on these iron veins.Every click-clack is a new name.Leaving the boll weevil, leaving the chain.Yeah, the rhythm of the wheels is washing out the stain.Sweet Auburn, calling through the rain.We're packed so tight in this car, you can't fall down.Smell of coal smoke, summer sweat, and cheap perfume.A woman hums a hymn, a baby starts to cry.We're all running from the same empty room.Just strangers trading glances, sharing the same moon.Northbound on these iron veins.Every click-clack is a new name.Leaving the landlord, leaving the chain.Yeah, the rhythm of the wheels is washing out the stain.Sweet Auburn, calling out my name.The brakes hiss long and low. A city taking shape.Terminal Station. Nineteen thirty-two.The first thing I see is the sign, black on white.A welcome just for me, and a welcome just for you."Colored Waiting Room." The same story, just brand new.But the air... the air smells different, somehow.Step down onto the platform.The city's heat rises from the stone.This burlap sack feels heavy now.Feels like home.I ask a man the way...Just point me toward Auburn.