Standard (EADGBE)

We people who are darker than blue,

 Are we gonna stand around this town

 And let what others say come true?

 We're just good for nothing they all figure,

A boyish, grown-up, shiftless jigger.

Now we can't hardly stand for that,

Or is that really where it's at?

We people who are darker than blue,

 This ain't no time for segregating

 I'm talking 'bout brown and yellow two.

 High yellow girl, can't you tell

 You're just the surface of our dark deep well?

If your mind could really see

You'd know your colour the same as me.

Pardon me, brother, as you stand in your glory,

I know you won't mind if I tell the whole story.

(drums and bass)

Get yourself together, learn to know your side.

Shall we commit our own genocide before you check out your mind?

I know we've all got problems, that's why I'm here to say,

Keep peace with me and I with you, let me love in my own way.

(instrumental)

(harp)

Now I know we have great respect

 For the sister, and mother it's even better yet.

 But there's the joker in the street

 Loving one brother and killing the other.

When the time comes and we are really free

There'll be no brothers left you see.

We people who are darker than blue,

 `

Don't let us hang around this town

 And let what others say come true.

 We're just good for nothing they all figure,

A boyish, grown-up, shiftless jigger.

Now we can't hardly stand for that,

Or is that really where it's at?

Pardon me, brother, while you stand in your glory,

I know you won't mind if I tell the whole story.

Pardon me, brother, I know we've come a long, long way,

But let us not be satisfied for tomorrow can be an,

An even brighter day.