[Verse 1]
Why is he cussin' and callin' disgustin'
The city that is now his home?
He never smiles or keeps up with styles
He is black and he is all alone

[Pre-Chorus 1]
And you ask why he's this way
Well, brother you're too blind to see
It's 'cause Ellis Dee ain't free like you and me

[Verse 2]
Get out of the street, don't get high on my beat
Go on home, the policeman warns
Just 'cause you're poor, why do you declare war?
I can't help the way that you were born

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Why are they holdin' him down?
He's spending his life on his knees
'Cause Ellis Dee ain't free like you and me

[Chorus]
Got to help Ellis, got to help Ellis
You know we got to help Ellis, Ellis Dee
Try and help Ellis, you and me
Got to get to Ellis, hear his plea
Try and help Ellis get free
[Verse 3]
Ellis got hooked, he got booked and he shook
In his cold little shivery cell
While out on the street in that same funky beat
Mister pusher was doing well

[Pre-Chorus 3]
And Ellis Junior cries
Tears his daddy can't see
'Cause Ellis Dee ain't free like you and me

[Chorus]
Got to help Ellis, got to help Ellis
You know we got to help Ellis, Ellis Dee
Try and help Ellis, you and me
Got to get to Ellis, hear his plea
Try and help Ellis get free

[Refrain]
'Cause Ellis Dee ain't free like you and me
No, Ellis Dee ain't free like you and me