Muhammad Ali
Johnny Wakelin & The Kinshasa Band Lyrics
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Who changed his name to Muhammad Ali
He knows how to talk and he knows how to fight
And all the contenders were beat out of sight
Sing, Muhammad, Muhammad Ali
He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee
Mohammed, the black superman
Who calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can
There ain't no flies on Muhammad Ali
He fills the arena wherever he goes
And everyone gets what they paid for
Muhammad, was known to have said
You watch me shuffle and I'll jab off your head
He moves like the black superman
And calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can
He says I'm the greatest the worlds ever seen
The heavyweight champion who came back again
My face is so pretty you don't see a scar
Which proves I'm the king of the ring by far
Sing, Muhammad, Muhammad Ali
He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee
Mohammed, the black superman
Who calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can
Sing, Muhammad, Muhammad Ali
He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee
Muhammad, the black superman
Who calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can
I'm Ali catch me if you can
The lyrics to "Black Superman (Muhammad Ali)" by Johnny Wakelin and The Kinshasa Band tell the story of Cassius Clay, who changed his name to Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time. The song highlights Ali's skills both in and out of the ring. He was known for his quick wit and trash talk, which he often used to psych out his opponents before a fight. Ali was also a skilled fighter, as the song points out, with all of his contenders beaten out of sight. The chorus of the song repeats, "Sing, Muhammad, Muhammad Ali. He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee. Mohammed, the black superman who calls to the other guy, 'I'm Ali, catch me if you can.'"
The lyrics are a tribute to Ali and his legacy as a formidable athlete and cultural icon. Ali became known not just for his boxing skills but also for his political activism and socially conscious views. The song captures the larger than life image that Ali cultivated, with references to his bravado and his physical prowess. The lyrics also reference Ali's ability to draw a crowd, filling any arena he visited, and give a nod to his humorous boasting and self-promotion.
Line by Line Meaning
This here's the story of Cassius Clay
Let me tell you the tale of a man named Cassius Clay
Who changed his name to Muhammad Ali
He later changed his name to Muhammad Ali
He knows how to talk and he knows how to fight
Not only is he skilled in boxing, but he's also an excellent communicator
And all the contenders were beat out of sight
He's won every fight he's ever been in, leaving his opponents defeated and helpless
Sing, Muhammad, Muhammad Ali
Let's all praise Muhammad Ali
He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee
His boxing style is so impressive that he appears to fly like a butterfly, yet hits like a powerful bee
Mohammed, the black superman
Muhammad Ali has been given the nickname of the black superman due to his incredible skills
Who calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can
He often taunts his opponents, telling them to try and catch him if they can
Now all you fight fans, you've got to agree
It's undeniable that all boxing fans can admit
There ain't no flies on Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is simply the best, there's no denying it
He fills the arena wherever he goes
Crowds flock to see him fight, packing the arena to the brim
And everyone gets what they paid for
The audience is never disappointed when they come to see Muhammad Ali in action
Muhammad, was known to have said
One of Muhammad Ali's famous quotes goes like this
You watch me shuffle and I'll jab off your head
If you pay close attention to his footwork, he'll hit you so hard that you'll lose your head
He moves like the black superman
Watching him fight is like watching a superhero in action
He says I'm the greatest the worlds ever seen
Muhammad Ali is convinced that he's the best boxer in the history of the world
The heavyweight champion who came back again
He's not only won the heavyweight championship, but he's also made a comeback after losing it
My face is so pretty you don't see a scar
Despite all the fights he's been in, he hasn't sustained any serious injuries and his face remains unblemished
Which proves I'm the king of the ring by far
This only proves that he's the best of the best, the king of the boxing world without a doubt
I'm Ali catch me if you can
He challenges his opponents to try and catch him in the ring, knowing full well that they won't be able to
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REGENT MUSIC CORPORATION
Written by: JOHNNY WAKELIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sauquoit13456
Here's some obcure trivia:
On this day in 1940 {February 12th} 'The Adventures of Superman', with future television game show host Bud Collyer in the title role, began its 11-year run on radio as a syndicated show on New York City's WOR. It became a network show on Mutual in August 1942 as a 15-minute serial airing three to five times a week...
Ten records with 'Superman' in it's title have made Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart:
1. Sunshine Superman by Donovan, peaked at #1 in 1966
2. Black Superman - Muhammad Ali by Johnny Walkelin &the Kinshasa Band, peaked at 21 in 1975
3. Superman by Herbie Mann, peaked at #26 in 1979
4. Superman by Ides of March, peaked at #64 in 1970
5. Theme from 'Superman' - Main Title by John Williams, peaked at #81 in 1979
6. I'm your Superman by All Sports Band, peaked at All Sports Band
7. Superman by Dino, Desi, and Billy, peaked at #94
And
Three peaked at #41; Superman by Donna in 1973, Superman by Celi Bee & the Buzzy Bunch in 1977, and (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman by the Kinks in 1979
@williamlindsay1130
Was young but remember this song when Ali was still at the height of his powers. We'll never see his likes again...
@ziggyzagzi8017
Wore out this 8Trak w/ the Big Hits! This song was the unique sounds.
@jerrythomas7379
Was just telling my son about this song. Thanks for posting. 🙂
@johngolofit1208
From the Summer of 1975. Commemorating the life of one of the greatest boxers ever! Now does anyone out there remember this quote: "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee-the smell of Brut and Mohammed Ali"? Truly, the seventies had it all...
@andyelliott8027
Muhammad.
@paulfrost8895
RIP Muhammed Ali.
@brianduckett1336
I love this song, I grew up playing this on 8 track. It was great. Then I had to play different tracks to get to the song I wanted.
@hueydaredevilestifire7617
I finding this song about 4 years after my dad passed away, Glad to heard the song which he played in his car again
@Charz-ih5mp
August 1975- #28 on Casey Kasem’s AT 40 hits - good ole days growing up...!
@saadiaarslanturk2850
I think it was early 70s. He was certainly the greatest .. boxer, philosopher, thinker and entertainer all in one. Happy Birthday!!!