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