Original Broadway Cast of Kinky Boots
Soul of a Man
[CHARLIE]
I'm bad news, a black and blues-er
Who's a loser, a merry-go-round spiralling down
I'm all used up, I'm chaffed and chewed up
Who's just screwed up, the same old Charlie hitting the ground

'Cause I'll never be the soul of a man, noble and wise
Like the soul of a man who lifted me high
Like the soul of a man, heroic and true
Like the soul of a man that I looked up to
What else could I do?

Stupid hubris, no excuses
I blew my fuses, I guess I'm just a ruse in my father's shoes
Not amusin', no confusin' this streak of losin'
Totally brutal and useless too

How can I be the soul of a man, noble and wise
Like the soul of a man who lifted me high?
Like the soul of a man, heroic and true
Like the soul of a man that I looked up to
What else could I—

Just when I'm reaching for that rung at the top
On that broken heel steady, and ready, ready to drop
When will I be the soul of a man, noble and wise
Like the soul of a man who lifted me high?
Soul of a man, heroic and true
Like the soul of a man I looked up to
What else could I do?

I'll never be, no I'll never be
I have gone and let you down
Whoa, soul, soul of a man
Here comes that familiar sound
Same old Charlie hittin' the ground
(Ahhh!)