Lyrics Half a Man - Randy Newman

Half a Man

This big old queen was standing
At the corner of the street
Waved his hanky at me as I went rolling by
I pulled the truck up on the sidewalk
And I climbed down from the cab
With my tire-chain and my knife
As I approached him
He was trembling like a bird
Raised the chain above my head
She said, «Please, before you kill me
Might I have one final word?»
And this is what he said:
«I am but
Half a man
Half a man
I’d like to be a dancer
But I’m much too large
Half a man
Half a man
I’m an object for your pity
Not your rage.»
Uh, oh
Oh, the strangest feeling
Sweeping over me
Both my speech and manner
Have become much more refined
I said, «Oh, what is this feeling?
What is wrong with me?»
She said, «Girl
Happens all the time»
«Now you are
Half a man!
Half a man!
Look, you’re walking
And you’re talking
Like a fag!»
Half a man
I am half a man
Holy Jesus
What a drag