Be A Man
View chords used in this chart
G# Fm A#m G#
G# Fm A#m G#
G# Fm
Our forefathers worked the fields
A#m C#m
in burning sun, they sweat and strained
G# Fm
But we are sad to say,
A#m D#
we won't do it again
G# Fm
Because now that we've realized
A#m C#m
that oh so long we've been hypnotized
G# Fm
We suffered day and night,
A#m G#
but since then we're bright
C# D#
Yes, my skin is black
Cm Fm
So when you see me come, you can turn your back
C# D# G#
You ain't gonna be No you'll never be a man like me
G# Fm
If ever they made a slip,
A#m C#m
they'd be corrected by the whip
G# Fm
But we are glad to say,
A#m D#
it won't happen again
G# Fm
'Cause now it is our turn
A#m C#m
to take the lead because we have learned
G# Fm
We suffered day and night,
A#m G#
but since then we're bright
C# D#
Yes, my skin is black
Cm Fm
So when you see me come, you can turn your back
C# D# G#
You ain't gonna be No you'll never be a man like me
C# D#
Yes, my skin is black black black
Cm Fm
So when you see me come, you can turn your back
C# D# G#
You ain't gonna be No you'll never be a man like me
How to play Be A Man
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is G#. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.