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'

Take troubles smilin', never whine

Just because my color’s shady

Slightly different maybe

That’s why they call me Shine