Going To See Miss Gerri One More Time Lyrics & Chords By Billy Branch

Didn't hold much promise for a young Black girl of two
To the Promised Land she travelled, with the great migration
Left the south behind for Chicago's style of northern segregation
The city of her dreams, was silent to the screams
Of the strange fruit hanging from the southern leaves
To the city of the wind
Many earnest souls rushed in
As it welcomed and ignored their earnest pleas

And I'm going to see Miss Gerri one more time
She's the one that's always on my mind
And I'm going to see Miss Gerri one more time
Only God knows what goes through her mind
Now the bustling windy city was a challenge to them all
Many fell, defeated, young, old, black, white, short and tall
But Gerri's burning fire, like a beacon paved her way
To the place where Bronzeville's finest
Would often come to play
47th Street would never go to sleep
Their Sunday best they'd eagerly adorn
And all would come to see Bronzeville's Black nobility
As the fabled Gerri's Palm Tavern was born

At any time night or day
The Palm was the place where the stars would play
Lady Day lit up the night. The Duke and the Count were a regal site
If you came too late or left too soon
You might miss Redd Foxx and Jimmy Witherspoon
Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole would sing from their hearts and touch your soul
Tommy Dorsey and Ole Blue Eyes Would hang at the Palm like regular guys
The great Miles Davis, Dick Gregory Jackie Moms Mabley was a sight to see
Nancy Wilson, Louie Armstrong, Sammy Davis Jr. and Oscar Brown
Ella Fitzgerald and Quincy Jones Two architects of beautiful tones

Jackson Mississippi is Miss Gerri's home again
She sometimes has a visit from her sister or a friend
After 50 years Miss Gerri Held the Tavern keys no more
The City of Big Shoulders Made a plan to shut the door
The lady in the hat Would not let her come back
They tore it down and threw away the key
Now Gerri's back at home But she'll never be alone
She has a lifetime filled with wondrous memories

And I'm going to see Miss Gerri one more time
She's the one that's always on my mind
And I'm going to see Miss Gerri one more time
Only God knows what goes through her mind
Only God knows what goes through her mind
Only God knows what goes through her mind