Lyrics by Oscar Brown Jr.

I apologize for being black

All I am plus all I lack

Please sir, please m’am

Give me some slack

‘Cause I apologize

I apologize for being poor

For being sick and tired and sore

Since I ain’t slick

Don’t know the score

I do apologize

I apologize because I bear

Resemblance most black people share

Thick lips, flat nose, and nappy hair

Yes I apologize

I apologize for how I look

For all of the lows and blows I took

On those Lord knows I’d close the book

As I apologize

I apologize for all I gave

For letting you make me yo’ slave

And going to my early grave

Yes I apologize

I apologize for being caught

For being sold, for being bought

For being told I count for naught

Yeah I apologize

I apologize for all I’ve done

For all my toil out in the sun

Don’t want to spoil your righteous fun

So I apologize

I apologize and curse my kind

For being fooled, for being blind

For being ruled, and in your bind

Yes I apologize

I apologize and curse my feet

For being slow, for being late

Because I know it’s me you hate

Why not apologize

I apologize and tip my hat

‘Cause you so rich and free and fat

Son of a bitch, that’s where it’s at

And I apologiz

Lyrics by Oscar Brown Jr.