Leonard Bernstein — I Too Sing America / Okay Negroes

[BARITONE] I, too, sing America I am the darker brother [MEZZO] Okay, okay, okay Negroes American Negroes American Negroes [BARITONE] They send me to eat in the kitchen [MEZZO] Looking for milk [BARITONE] When company comes [MEZZO] Crying out loud [BARITONE] But I laugh And eat well [MEZZO] In the nursery of Freedomland [BARITONE] And grow strong [MEZZO] The rides are rough [BARITONE] Tomorrow I’ll sit at the table When company comes Nobody’ll dare Say to me “Eat in the kitchen," Then [MEZZO] Tell me where you got that image Of a male white mammy God is vague and he don't take no sides [BARITONE] Besides They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed — [MEZZO] You think clean fingernails crossed legs a smile Shined shoes A crucifix around your neck Good manners No more noise You think who's gonna give you something? You think who's gonna give you something? [BARITONE] I, too, am America [MEZZO] Come a little closer Where you from? [BARITONE] I, too, am America Tomorrow I'll sit at the table [MEZZO] Come a little closer Where you from?