JUST LIKE SELMA
A new social justice hymn by Nolan Williams, Jr.
VERSE 1 (Tenor solo)
There is an arc, a moral compass charting freedom’s wax and wane.
Sometimes we’re startled how that arc allows some things hard to explain.
But when the cause we fight is right, no matter what we must persist.
That arc is long and bends toward justice when we resist.
VERSE 2 (Alto solo)
There is an arc, a moral compass charting freedom’s wax and wane.
Sometimes we’re startled how that arc allows some things hard to explain.
But when the cause we fight is pure, we can’t let go because we’re sure
That arc is long and bends toward justice when we endure.
REFRAIN
Oh, Oh, Oh, Selma has taught us how to persist, resist.
Selma has taught us how to protest, endure.
Selma has taught us how to fight hate, agitate,
Until the arc bends our way, until the arc bends our way,
(Until the) moral arc bends our way just like Selma.
VERSE 3 (Choir)
There is an arc, a moral compass charting freedom’s wax and wane.
Sometimes we’re startled how that arc allows some things hard to explain.
But when the cause we fight is hate, sometimes we can’t afford to wait.
That arc is long and bends toward justice when we agitate.
REFRAINOh, Oh, Oh, Selma has taught us how to persist, resist.
Selma has taught us how to protest, endure.
Selma has taught us how to fight hate, agitate,
Until the arc bends our way, until the arc bends our way,
(Until the) moral arc bends our way just like Selma.
VAMP
Until the arc bends our way. (repeat as directed)
CODA
(Until the) moral arc bends our way just like Selma.
© 2025, Nolan Williams, Jr. All rights secured. (ASCAP) NEW-J Publishing, a division of NEWorks Productions. NEWorks.u