Shine (Ry Cooder)

When I was born they christened me plain Samuel Johnson Brown But I hadn't grown so very big, 'fore some folks in this town Had changed it 'round to, "Sambo", I was "Rastus" to a few Then "Chocolate Drop" was added by some others that I knew And then to cap the climax, I was strolling down the line When someone shouted, "Fellas, hey! Come on and pipe the shine!" But I don't care a bit Here's how I figure it Well, just because my hair is curly And just because my teeth are pearly Just because I always wear a smile Likes to dress up in the latest style Just because I'm glad I'm livin' Takes trouble smilin', never whine Just because my color's shady Slightly different maybe that's why they call me shine Say, just because my hair is curly And just because my teeth are pearly And just because I always wear a smile I wear my jeans like a man I mean He always dresses in the latest style Just because I'm glad I'm livin' Takes trouble smilin', never whine Just because my color's shady Slightly different maybe that's why they call me shine