Am I Black Enough for You
Billy Paul
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Am I black enough for you Am I black enough for you Am I black enough for you Am I black enough for you We're gonna move on up One by one We ain't gonna stop Until the work is done Am I black enough Black enough for you Am I black Black enough for you We're gonna move on up Two by two And this whole world Is gonna be brand new Am I black enough for you Am I black enough for you Get in line Stop marching in time You better make up your mind We're gonna leave you behind We're gonna move on up Three by three We gotta get rid of poverty I got to stay black Black enough for you I got to stay black Black enough for you We're gonna move on up Four by four We ain't never Gonna suffer no more I got to stay black Black enough for you I got to stay black Black enough for you Get in line Stop marching in time You better make up your mind We're gonna leave you behind Make up your mind Stop marching in time Get in line You better make up your mind We're gonna get on up Five by five And this whole world Is gonna come alive Am I black Black enough for you Am I black enough for you We're gonna move on up Six by six I gotta use my mind Instead of my fists Am I black Black enough for you Am I black Black enough for you We're gonna move on up Seven by seven We're God's children And we got to get to Heaven Am I black enough for you Am I black enough for you We gotta move on up Eight by eight Without no witness We ain't too late Am I black Black enough for you Am I black Black enough for you Freedom, freedom It got to be spended I could take it If I could spend it one time We got to stay Black enough for you I gotta, gotta black Black enough for you
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2 fans
Written by: KENNETH GAMBLE, KENNY GAMBLE, LEON HUFF
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Am I Black Enough for You" is a song written and performed by Billy Paul, an American soul singer.
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Album FactsThe song is one of the tracks from the album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul released in 1972. This album is considered one of the classic Philadelphia soul records.
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Social Impact"Am I Black Enough for You" was a proactive song that reflected the Black Power movement sentiments during the 1970s.
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Release ControversiesDespite its profound message, the song was not well accepted in certain sections of society during its release. Some people viewed it as too racially charged.
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Chart Position"Am I Black Enough for You," unfortunately, did not garner a high chart position as Billy's first hit, "Me and Mrs. Jones," which was number one on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it holds a special place among Paul's fans due to its potent and relevant message.
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Song MessageThe song intended to inspire Black people to embrace their identity and cultural heritage during a time of civil unrest and racial tension in the United States.
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Notable CoverThe song was covered by Swedish group, School of Seven Bells, and their version was included in the soundtrack of the film The Sorcerer's Apprentice in 2010.
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LegacyToday, "Am I Black Enough for You" is seen as a powerful statement about racial identity and is considered a key part of Paul's legacy, underscoring his commitment to delivering impactful music regardless of commercial success.
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LyricsThe poignant lyrics of the song like "We're gonna move on up one by one, We ain't gonna stop until the work is done," resonated with the ongoing civil rights movement during that time.
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Redefining SuccessDespite initial criticism and lackluster commercial performance, "Am I Black Enough for You" ultimately helped redefine success in Paul's career as he chose creative authenticity and cultural relevance, over mainstream appeal.
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Citation
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"Am I Black Enough for You Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2803477/Billy+Paul/Am+I+Black+Enough+for+You>.
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