As we approach fair weather As we entertain our maiden endeavor 'Round us still the chorus beats The schools, the streets There's always danger there For men will divest Only to a certain point For each divines their own experience And to our own We must attest They say authority's essential They are insincere They say discipline is fundamental You will perservere And when you've lost your fear Then that's when you must Testify Raise your hands up to the sky Clouds are comin' closer, but a-don't you cry Because you ain't got time Just keep on strivin', testifyin' Testify Raise your hands up to the sky Clouds are comin' closer, but a-don't you cry Because you ain't got time Just keep on strivin', testifyin' As you pack the tools of past illusions You have lost your nerve Set them near you, lest they cause confusion Keep some in reserve To get what you deserve You're gonna have to Testify Raise your hands up to the sky Clouds are comin' closer, but a-don't you cry Because you ain't got time Just keep on strivin', testifyin' Testify Raise your hands up to the sky Clouds are comin' closer, but a-don't you cry Because you ain't got time Just keep on strivin', testifyin' Mama, you got me my corduroy jeans "Do your own laundry if you want them clean" Mama, the workload they're puttin' me through "Like I don't know" Mama, you got me history books "Yeah, and I thought me I'd take me a look" But doesn't matter what you do or say Because it ain't my history anyway Feast or famine, you're cryin' at the disco You have lost your way The peace they were plannin' died in San Francisco Floating on the bay Just close your eyes and pray Then stand up straight and Testify Raise your hands up to the sky Clouds are comin' closer, but a-don't you cry Because you ain't got time Just keep on strivin', testifyin'