Neighbors is talkin’ 'bout it
The deacons too
It spread around my job
so now I’m asking you

Was it something that I did?
Something I didn’t say?
Maybe I prayed too hard.
I did my job

now be a man (Just be a man about it)
Just be a man (Just be a man about it)
Now be a man (Just be a man about it)
Just be a man (Just be a man)

I taught you take what’s yours
You can have anything
And if you really want it
take it from anyone

Taught you to be polite
Respect your fellow man
Tried to teach you ‘bout the world
in a way kids understand

Now be a man (just be a man about it)
Just be a man (just be a man about it)
Now be a man (just be a man about it)
Just be a man (just be a man)

You fell down when you was a baby
We thought you cried just a little too long
One time you had a little ice cream cone
Son, I had to take the ice cream away

Got all this makeup on
and now you shave your legs
Want me to be happy for you?
I’m cryin’ tears of reage

Who’s gonna hire you?
Do you even know?
We tried to raise a boy
the way he’s supposed to grow

Now be a man (just be a man about it)
Just be a man (just be a man about it)
Now be a man (just be a man about it)
Just be a man (just be a man about it)

© Brooks Long 2015