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 living

Take trouble smiling, never whine

Just because my color's shady

Slightly different, maybe

That's why they call me 'Shine'

I say just because (Just because)

My hair is curly (A-look at them curls curl)

And just because (Just because)

My teeth are pearly (A-roo-da-bee-bop, ba-ba-ba-bow)

And just because I always wear a smile

Wear my jeans like a man of means

(He always dresses in the latest style)

I say just because (Just because)

I'm glad I'm living (A-boogylee-doo-doo, a-boogylee-doo-doo)

Take trouble smiling, never whine

Just because my color's shady

Slightly different, maybe

That's why they call me 'Shine'