Classic Poem

VERSE 1

When I was born they christened me plain Samuel Johnson Brown.
I hadn't grown so very big 'fore some folks in the town
Had changed it 'round to Sambo, I was Rastus to a few,
Then Choc'late Drop was added by some others that I knew,
And then to cap the climax I was strolling down the line
When someone shouted, " Fellers, hey, come on and pipe the Shine. "
But I don't care a bit,
Here's how I figure it.

REFRAIN

'Cause my hair is curly,
'Cause my teeth are pearly,
Just because I always wear a smile,
Like to dress up in the latest style,
'Cause I'm glad I'm living,
Take troubles smiling, never whine;
Just because my color's shady,
Slightly diff'rent maybe,
That's why they call me " Shine. "

VERSE 2

A rose, they say, by any other name would smell as sweet,
So if that's right, why should a nickname take me off my feet?
Why, ev'rything that's precious from a gold piece to a dime
And diamonds, pearls, and rubies ain't no good unless they shine.
So when these clever people call me " shine " or " coon " or " smoke, "
I simply smile, then smile some more, and vote them all a joke.
I'm thinking just the same,
What is there in a name?

REPEAT REFRAIN