[Verse 1: Gil Scott-Heron]
Well, I’m feeling fine
But I could have been doing time
Well, I’m doing fine, thank you
But I could have been pulling time
I know a brother man doing time
And he didn’t commit no crime
So, thank you, I’m doing fine
‘Cause I could have been pulling time
Well

[Verse 2: Gil Scott-Heron]
I’ve been painting a picture of Angola, Louisiana
Pictures of deals in back alleys where politicians often hide
But it’s much more important to me than Angola, Louisiana
Got a lot to do with justice but more with Gary Tyler’s life
I got a letter from his mother, said, “Please, say something to my son!”
Truth is: Angola, Louisiana, you’re the one

[Verse 3: Gil Scott-Heron]
Well, I ain’t never been nowhere near Angola, Louisiana
Down in St. Charles Parish where the sun won’t go alone
Well, but injustice is not confined to Angola, Louisiana
No, it can walk in your living room
As long as it surrounds your home
I’m sending love to brother Tyler, but after all is said and done
Truth is: Angola, Louisiana, you’re the one
[Verse 4: Gil Scott-Heron]
Well, I can’t tell a man not to defend himself
Not at this late stage
Can’t tell a man he got no rights, nowhere
Not in this day and age
This song may not touch a whole lot of people
Persuaded by the truth
But take a look at what’s going on, people
‘Cause this all could happen to you, yeah

[Verse 5: Gil Scott-Heron]
Truth is me, now
I’ve been painting a picture of Angola, Louisiana
Down in St. Charles Parish, where the sun won’t go alone
Yeah, but injustice is not confined to Angola, Louisiana
Well, it can be in your living room
Brother Tyler, hold on, be strong, you’re not alone!
Said I got a letter from his mother that said, “Please, say something to my son!”
Truth is: well, Angola, Louisiana, you’re the one

[Verse 6: Gil Scott-Heron]
Seem like, I say it again
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
Never been another one like that one, seem like
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
The city blues is sure ‘nough news down there
Angola, Louisiana sure ‘nough the one
One for Louise, don’t forget Ana please
Angola, Louisiana, say
[Verse 7: Gil Scott-Heron]
Well, I’m doing fine ‘cause could have been doing time, yeah
Angola, Louisiana, say, “Hey, hey now”
I could have been pulling time down near where the sun sure ‘nough don’t shine, yeah
Angola, Louisiana feel like, well
I’m doing fine. I could have been pulling time
I’m doing fine, but I could have been pulling time
Well, I’m doing fine, thank you. I could have been pulling time
I’m doing fine. Could have been pulling time, now