Black Like Me
Mickey Guyton Lyrics
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I did my best just to fit in
Broke my heart on the playground, mm
When they said I was different
Oh, now
Now, I'm all grown up and nothin' has changed
Yeah, it's still the same
It's a hard life on easy street
Just white painted picket fences far as you can see
If you think we live in the land of the free
You should try to be black like me
My daddy worked day and night
For an old house and a used car
Just to live that good life, mm
It shouldn't be twice as hard
Oh, now
Now, I'm all grown up and nothin' has changed
Yeah, it's still the same
It's a hard life on easy street
Just white painted picket fences far as you can see
If you think we live in the land of the free
You should try to be, oh, black like me
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, I know
I'm not
The only one
Whoa, yeah
Who feels
Like I
I don't belong
It's a hard life on easy street
Just white painted picket fences far as you can see
And if you think we live in the land of the free
Then you should try to be, oh, black like me
Oh, and some day we'll all be free
And I'm proud to be, oh, black like me
And I'm proud to be black like me
Proud to be black like me
Black like me
In "Black Like Me," Mickey Guyton describes her painful experiences growing up as a black girl in a small American town. Despite her best efforts to fit in, she frequently encountered racism and discrimination, particularly on the playground where she was singled out as being "different." These experiences stayed with her as she grew up, and she reflects on how little has changed even now that she is an adult.
Guyton's lyrics describe the challenges she faced in her quest for the American Dream. Her father had to work tirelessly just to provide for their family, and even then, they had to settle for an old house and a used car instead of the "good life" promised by the American Dream. Guyton suggests that for black Americans, the American Dream is a far-off dream that remains unattainable.
Ultimately, Guyton's message is one of hope – she believes that someday, all Americans will be free, and she is proud to be a part of the black community. By speaking out about her experiences and sharing her music, she hopes to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles of black Americans, and to inspire others to work towards a future where everyone is truly equal.
Line by Line Meaning
Little kid in a small town
I was a young child growing up in a small town
I did my best just to fit in
I tried to blend in with those around me
Broke my heart on the playground, mm
I was deeply hurt when other children said I was different from them
When they said I was different
When the other kids pointed out that I was not like them
Oh, now
As an adult
Now, I'm all grown up and nothin' has changed
Despite being an adult, things have not improved
Yeah, it's still the same
My experiences remain largely unchanged
It's a hard life on easy street
Life is difficult even when living in a comfortable environment
Just white painted picket fences far as you can see
The world around me appears to be predominantly white and privileged
If you think we live in the land of the free
If you believe that America is truly free and equal for all
You should try to be black like me
You should experience life as a Black person to understand the reality of inequality
My daddy worked day and night
My father worked tirelessly
For an old house and a used car
To provide for our family, he had to settle for a simple home and car
Just to live that good life, mm
Just to give us the basics for a good life
It shouldn't be twice as hard
Being Black should not make life more difficult
Oh, I know
I understand
I'm not
I am not alone
The only one
In feeling like an outsider
Whoa, yeah
Absolutely
Who feels
Who also experiences
Like I
The same way that I do
I don't belong
Like I do not fit in
And some day we'll all be free
A hope for a future where everyone is truly equal
And I'm proud to be, oh, black like me
Despite the struggles, I am proud to be Black
Proud to be black like me
Proud of my Black identity
Black like me
A reminder of who I am and the barriers I must face
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Emma Davidson-Dillon, Fraser James Eliot Churchill, Mickey Guyton, Nathan Paul Chapman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hasan Kazmi
I cried. I'm born in America and my parents are from Pakistan... After 9/11 happened in 5th grade..... I was treated very differently until I learned how to fight back in 9th grade... God ... I love you mickey guyton and I didn't know how much I needed this song and you in my life
Anne Tallegrand
Wow just wow ❤
Truman Smith
@Roses 4me take no offense to what I ask. I am married to a black woman, I have biracial children yet… I don’t see “day to day” what currently black people are dealing with? I say with full sincerity and ask with that an honest answer.
rad vlad
She should try being white like me when I went to an all black elementary school and got bullied and was told the devil is white and I am white and that meant I'm a white devil 😂
Block Party
I’m 62 years old black woman. And this song made the little girl in me cried when I heard your song. Hit the core of my soul!
Thank you Mickey from the core of my soul for writing this song❤️
God bless you sister for speaking your (our) Authentic Truth!! Congratulations on CMA making history ❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹
Peace and Blessings to you
🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Patty Granillo
It is so unfortunate that we still see racism in this world, I don't know how it is to be black, but I definitely understand the hardship. This song made me cry!
Happy Music Vibez - Clean Music & Culture
A message 🙏
Tara Klien
I'm a white male and I cried
C Hall
Ditto and I'm 65. This was/is my reality 💓
TC
I loooove how country singers don’t feel like they have to strip down and take their clothes off to prove themselves.
Her voice is all she needs. Beautiful!