Half A Man

(album: Born Again - 1979)

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

"Now 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