Intro: Fm Fm Fm Fm 


[Verso 1]

Fm 
The dark brown shades of my skin 
Fm 
Only add colour to my tears 
Bbm                                                     Fm 
   That splash against my hollow bones, that rocks my soul 
Fm 
Looking back over my false dreams, that I once knew 
Fm 
Wondering why my dreams never came true 
Bbm                                Fm 
   Somebody tell me, what can I do 


[Refrão]

Bbm 
   Something is holding me back 
                  Fm 
Is it because I'm black? 


[Verso 2]

Fm 
In this world of no pity 
Fm 
I was raised in the ghetto of the city 
Bbm 
   Momma, she works so hard 
                Fm 
To earn every penny 


[Refrão]

Bbm 
   Something is holding me back 
                  Fm 
Is it because I'm black? 
Bbm 
   Something is holding me back 
                           Fm 
I wonder, Is it because I'm black? 



Solo: Fm Fm Fm Fm 


[Verso 3]

Fm 
Like a child stealing candy for the first time, and got caught 
Fm 
Around life's corner somewhere I got lost 
Bbm 
   Something is holding me back 
                   Fm 
Is it because I'm black? 
Bbm 
   Something is holding me back 
                    Fm 
Is it because I'm black? 


Outro:

Bbm 
   Somebody please tell me 
                  Fm 
Is it because I'm black? With my black skin 
Bbm 
   Somebody, someone...