Coloured Woman (from "Memphis" musical)

Some got chances, some got choices
Some got freedom in these states
Colored women got few chances
Got few choices on our plates

Mama told me there are limits
For dark-skinned girls stuck in this light-skinned world
Once in a while I lose myself in dreams
A silly girl full of silly schemes

Now along comes a man whose skin is white and pale
A shiny fool full of shiny tales
He says he'll make the people hear me
He'll force this world to fin'ly see me

Is he a lie like ev'ry other man
Or Lord could he somehow, could he somehow
Could he somehow help to free me?

Mama told me not to dream big
but mama lived her life running scared
I am stronger and I'll fight longer
I'll do what mama never even dared

Coloured women with few chances
Has to do what she must do
I will make my coloured dreams come true
For this is one coloured woman who will colour
Her life, her way