One man in a thousand, Solomon says,
Will stick more close than a brother
And it's worthwhile seeking him half of your days
If you find him before the other
Nine hundred and ninety-nine depend
On what the world sees in you,
But the Thousandth Man will stand your friend
With the whole round world agin you
But if he finds you or if you find him,
The rest of the world don't matter;
For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim
With you in any water
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call
For silver and gold in their dealings;
But the Thousandth Man is worth 'em all
Because you can show him your feelings
His wrong is your wrong, his right is your right,
In season or out of season
Stand up and back it in all men's sight
With that for your only reason!
Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide
The shame or the mocking or laughter,
But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side
To the foot of the gallows and after!