Lyrics: The issue on the table A petition from a Quaker delegation in Philadelphia Calling on Congress to end the African slave trade and abolish slavery, in all its forms This petition was written and signed by Benjamin Franklin It cannot go ignored. If this comes to a vote in Congress What is the White House's position? Secretary Jefferson, you first Tread lightly Sir The constitution clearly states That the states have to wait Until eighteen-oh-eight to debate On whether to end the slave trade And whether or not you want it, guys That is the final compromise we made Sir wait But for a second let us say that we can legislate Unanimous emancipation, freedom reigns, and yes, it's great We cannot cure prejudice or righteous, desperate hate So back to Africa or do they get a separate state? In 1784, I tried to float banning slavery in the West My notion didn't get a single vote Slavery's a sin, it's growing like a cancer But we can't address the question if we do not have an answer