The dark brown shades of my skin only add color to my tears. That splash against my hollow bones, that rocks my soul. Looking back over my false dreams that I once knew. Wondering why my dreams never came true. Chorus: Is it because I'm black? Somebody tell me what can I do.. Something is holding me back, is it because I'm black? (repeat) In this world of no pity I was raised in the ghetto of the city Momma she worked so hard to earn every penny..Oh lord Something is holding me back Cause..Is it because I'm black (repeat) 2nd verse: Like a child steeling his first piece of candy. That cost..Even in my corner somewhere I got lost Something is holding me back..I wonder..Is it because I'm black? Somebody tell me what I can do. Bridge: Will I survive or will I die. Keep on holding me back Keep on holding on Keep on picking on me Keep on holding me back Keep on holding on, keep on holding me back Keep on holding be back, I wonder why you do me like that But you keep on putting your foot on me But I've got a break a way, some how, some day, Cause I wanna be somebody so bad, So so bad, I wanna be somebody. I wanna be somebody so bad. But something is holding me back Is it because I'm black? Is because I'm black...is because I'm black Something is holding me back, I want diamond rings and thin