I Wish I Was a Black Guy
Julian Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have you ever seen a black guy?
(Every single day in slow motion)
I'm soooo whiiite, and my pants are a little tight
But I'm getting the notion (yeah)
I'm just a cracker, if I was blacker
I'd dance my way to heaven with that soouul
I wish I was a black guy
I'd really want a Bentley
And I'd do whatever black guys do
When you're a black guy, everyone wants to be like yoouuu!
I wish I was a black guy!
I wish I was a black guy too!
So, you wanna be a black guy?
Yes!
Alright, but you got a long way to go!
But if you follow my instructions you'll do just fine
Alright!
Waalllk like I do
Left, right, left, right
Naaaame yo' favorite food
Skrill
SPIRULINA!
You need some color!
To be a brotha
He can't do much with wonderbreeead
I wish i was a black guy
I wish i was a black guy too
I would really want a bentley, and i would do what ever black guys do
When you are a black guy, everyone want's to be like you
I wish i was a black guy
I wish i was a black guy too
You'll never be a black guy. cuz you're white
You're so so white (hahaha)
I would love to be a black guy
I would love to be a black guy too
But you will never be a black guy
You will never be a black guy too
I would love to be a black guy
I would love to be a black guy too
You will never be a black guy
You will never be a black guuuuuuy!
Do you really wanna be a black guy?
I really wanna be a black guy too!
Hu hu huuu huhuhuuuuuuuuu
The song "I Wish I Was a Black Guy" by Julian Smith is a satirical take on a white person's desire to be a black person in order to enjoy the perceived perks of being black. The song starts with the singer expressing his desire to be a black guy, citing the coolness, soulful dance moves, and luxury vehicles that seem to be commonly associated with black people. The lyrics then go on to describe a "black guy" mentor figure who instructs the singer on how to be black - by walking, speaking, and eating like a black person. However, the mentor tells the singer that his lack of melanin makes it impossible for him to be a true black person, and the song ends with the singer acknowledging his unfulfillable desire.
This song is an example of social commentary through humor. It pokes fun at the idea of white people appropriating black culture for their own enjoyment and benefits, while highlighting the reality that being black is more than just a few stereotypical characteristics. The song is a critique of the way society sees black people as cool, hip and something to aspire to be, while ignoring the systemic oppression they face.
Line by Line Meaning
My ooh, myyyy
Expressing excitement and anticipation
Have you ever seen a black guy?
Asking a rhetorical question
I'm soooo whiiite, and my pants are a little tight
But I'm getting the notion (yeah)
Acknowledging one's whiteness and expressing a desire for change
I'm just a cracker, if I was blacker
I'd dance my way to heaven with that soouul
Recognizing racial insensitivity and romanticizing Black American culture
I wish I was a black guy
I wish I was a black guy too
I'd really want a Bentley
And I'd do whatever black guys do
Expressing a desire for the wealth and status associated with being a Black American
When you're a black guy, everyone wants to be like yoouuu!
Highlighting the cultural influence and admiration for Black Americans
So, you wanna be a black guy?
Asking a rhetorical question
Alright, but you got a long way to go!
But if you follow my instructions you'll do just fine
Alright!
Acknowledging the difficulty of becoming a Black American, but offering guidance
Waalllk like I do
Left, right, left, right
Teaching the stereotypical mannerisms of a Black American
Naaaame yo' favorite food
Skrill
SPIRULINA!
Jokingly suggesting unorthodox food preferences associated with Black Americans
You need some color!
To be a brotha
He can't do much with wonderbreeead
Suggesting the importance of skin color and subtly highlighting the economic struggles of Black Americans
You'll never be a black guy. cuz you're white
You're so so white (hahaha)
I would love to be a black guy
I would love to be a black guy too
But you will never be a black guy
You will never be a black guuuuuuy!
Concluding that it's impossible to truly become a Black American and ironically reiterating the desire
Do you really wanna be a black guy?
I really wanna be a black guy too!
Hu hu huuu huhuhuuuuuuuuu
Repeating the desire despite the impossibility
Contributed by William D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Julia Hoon
Even though these videos are absolutely hilarious... Let's not overlook the fact that the vocals are always really impressive as well lmfao
Inaren Commander
Michael Gibson As a falsetto artist, I can attest to their skill. 😊
Glockel
@Inaren Commander okay
Asia Fortson
So true
SpecialCrunch
A lot of youtube comedy songs are funny but they kind of suck.
ʏɛֆքօօӄʏ Lydia
listened to this as a kid and my mom had to keep telling me and my siblings to stop singing it in public lmao
Dante Campanaro
Ahah amazing
jorge davila
he was the king of youtube his videos were awesome and still are.
Chihiro Sen
I hope you're still singing it in public 😂 Fuck everybody else.
Exosus
@Chihiro Sen pretty sure youre only allowed to sing that in february though