It   isn't   nice  to block the doorway, 
It isn't  nice  to go to jail,
There are  nicer  ways to do it,
But the  nice  ways always fail.
It isn't  nice , it isn't  nice , 
You told us once, you told us twice,
But if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.

It  isn't   nice  to carry banners 
Or to sit in on the floor, 
Or to shout our cry of Freedom 
At the hotel and the store.
It  isn't   nice , it  isn't   nice ,
You told us once, you told us twice,
But if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.

We have tried negotiations
And the three-man picket line,1
Mr. Charlie2 didn't see us 
And he might as well be blind.
Now our new ways  aren't   nice  
When we deal with men of ice,
But if that is Freedom's price, 
We don't mind.

How about those years of lynchings 
And the shot in Evers' back?
Did you say  it   wasn't  proper,
Did you stand upon the track?
You were quiet just like mice,
Now you say we  aren't   nice , 
And if that is Freedom's price, 
We don't mind.

 It   isn't   nice  to block the doorway,
 It   isn't   nice  to go to jail,
There are  nicer  ways to do  it 
But the  nice  ways always fail.
 It   isn't   nice ,  it   isn't   nice , 
But thanks for your advice, 
Cause if that is Freedom's price,
We don't mind.