Half a Man

Randy Newman

This big old queen was standing 
On the corner of the street 
He waved his hanky at me 
As I went rolling by 

I pulled the truck up on the sidewalk 
And I climbed down from the cab 
With my tire-chain and my knife 
As I approached him 

He was trembling like a bird 
I raised the chain above my head 
He said, "Please, before you kill me 
Might I have one final word?" 

And this is what he said: 
"I am but Half A Man, 
Half A Man I'd like to be a dancer 
But I'm much too large 

Half A Man, Half A Man 
I'm an object for your pity 
Not your rage" 
Oh, the strangest feeling's sweeping over me 

Both my speech and manner have become much more refined 
I said, "Oh, what is this feeling? 
What is wrong with me?" 
She said, "Girl, it happens all the time "

And you are Half A Man, 
Half A Man Look, 
you're walking and you're talking Like a fag." 
Half A Man, 

I am Half A Man Holy Jesus, what a drag