The poem discusses equality and justice for all people. It describes different groups - ten men working in the heat, ten women starting later, and children joining to collect pay. It says this is the way it should be, as God made all people free. It asks who will help the weak and break down walls of oppression. It talks about a judge who heard a widow asking for justice for the poor. It says the poor who know suffering, and those who work for peace, are blessed, as is speaking out for change. The refrain repeats that all people being free and treated equally is the way it should be.

1. The Way It Should Be Linnea Good From the Sunday Sessions and the Good Book www.LinneaGood.com

2. Ten men worked in the heat of the day Ten women started at three Ten children joined and collected their pay Last in line and first to see...that

3. That’s just the way it should be! That’s just the way it should be! God said the people are free like me, so That’s just the way it should be!

4. Who will be great in the world of the strong? Who will be servant of all? Servant of people and servant of dreams Breaking down the prison walls!

5. That’s just the way it should be! That’s just the way it should be! God said the people are free like me, so That’s just the way it should be!

6. Once was a judge who, by day and by night, Heard a knocking at his door Loud was the voice of the widow who cried: “ Give me justice for the poor!”

7. That’s just the way it should be! That’s just the way it should be! God said the people are free like me, so That’s just the way it should be!

8. Blest are the poor who remember their pain Blest are the builders of peace Blest is your daring to speak out of turn Praying for the world’s release. And...

9. That’s just the way it should be! That’s just the way it should be! God said the people are free like me, so That’s just the way it should be!