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
To bring liberty to every one
Spread your wings
Come on. Spread your wings and fly