LYRICS:

I did so much way back when,

Started acting in the States

But they didn't want men like me

Oh, no, except for slavery.

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So I travelled on a boat across the Atlantic Sea

Was 17 and the Brits had no problem with me

Oh, no, their law said I was free,

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Acted in London, Liverpool and Brighton

Edinburgh and London; Hull and London...

[there were more theatres in London]

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Oh, I did so much, was on an acting spree

I toured the whole country

But I settled in Coventry

Oh, yes, they really liked me.

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My acting so impressed everyone

Round Coventry Theatre aged only 21.

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Oh, I done so much and not done dough

I went back on the stage when I played Othello

Oh, yes, in the West End-o.

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But I did more than that as a matter of fact

Campaigned passionately against all slavery

Changed our society for black people like me

And that wasn't easy.