The dark brown shades of my skin
only add color to my tears
That splash against my hollow bones, that rocks my soul
Looking back over my past dreams that I once knew
Wondering why my dreams never came true
Somebody, tell me, what can I do?
Something is holding me back
Is it because I'm black?
In this world of no pity I was raised in the ghetto of the city
Momma she worked so hard to earn every penny

Something is holding me back
Is it because I'm black?
Is it because I'm black?
Something is holding me back
Is it because I'm black?

Tell me, it's because of my color?
Something is holding me back
Like a child steeling his first piece of candy
That cost
Even in my corner somewhere I got lost
Something is holding me back
Is it because I'm black?
(I want to know, I want to know)

Something is holding me back
Is it because I'm black?
(Tell me! Can't you see?)
Somebody, please, tell me
Is it because I'm black?
(Is it because of my color?)