Lyrics:

(originally by Big Bill Broonzy)

This little song I'm singing about
People you know it's true
If you're black and got to work for a living
This is what they say to you

They say if you white, should be alright
If you brown, stick around
But if you're black, oh brother, get back, get back, get back

I was in a place one night
They were having fun
They were drinking beer and wine
But they would not sell me none

They say if you white, should be alright
If you Brown, stick around
But if you're black, oh brother, get back, get back, get back

Me and a man was working side by side
This is what it meant
They were paying him a dollar an hour
And paying me fifty cent

They say if you white, should be alright
If you brown, stick around
But if you're black, oh boy, get back, get back, get back

I went to an employment office
Got a number and I got in line
They called everybody's number
But they never did call mine

They say if you're white, should be alright
If you brown, stick around
But if you're black, oh brother, get back, get back, get back

I helped build this country
And I fought for it too
Now I guess that you can see
What a black man has to do

They say if you're White, should be alright
If you're Brown, stick around
But if you're black, oh brother, get back, get back, get back

I win sweet victory
With my plough and hoe
Now, brother, you tell me
Whatcha gonna do 'bout the old Jim Crow

If you're white, should be alright
If you're brown, stick around
But if you're black, oh brother, get back, get back, get back