From ancient cultures to our own world torn by division, violence, and deprivation, the rhythms and lyrics of an ancient art form--the lament--have provided an indispensable vehicle for women and men to give voice to their suffering, grief and protest against injustice. Nancy C. Lee surveys both lament in the Abrahamic sacred texts (Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Qur'an) and in 'the people's' laments expressed admirably by poets and popular singers in over thirty cultures worldwide today. This work encourages strategies for recovering processes of composing laments--toward political empowerment, social innovation, nonviolent justice, healing, and peace.