Colored Woman

Some got chances, some got choices
Some got freedom in these states
Colored women got few chances
Got few choices on our plates
Mama told me there are limits
For dark-skinned girls stuck in this light-skinned world.

Once in a while I lose myself in dreams
A silly girl full of silly schemes
Now along comes a man whose skin is white and pale
A shiny fool full of shiny tales.

He says he'll make the people hear me
He'll force this world to fin'ly see me
Is he a lie like ev'ry other man
Or Lord could he somehow/ could he somehow
Could he somehow help to free me?
Mama told me not to dream big
But Mama lived her life running scared.

I am stronger and I'll fight longer!
I'll do what Mama never even dared!
Colored women with few chances
Has to do what she must do!
I will make my colored dreams come true!
For this is one colored woman who will color
Her life her way!