Ry Cooder - Shine Lyrics

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,
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.