This big old queen was standing
At the corner of the street
Waved his hanky at me as I went rolling by
I pulled the truck up on the sidewalk
And I climbed down from the cab
With my tire-chain and my knife

As I approached him
He was trembling like a bird
Raised the chain above my head
She said, "Please, before you kill me
Might I have one final word?"
And this is what he said:

"I am but
Half a man
Half a man
I'd like to be a dancer
But I'm much too large
Half a man
Half a man
I'm an object for your pity
Not your rage."

[instrumental break]
Uh, oh

Oh, the strangest feeling
Sweeping over me
Both my speech and manner
Have become much more refined
I said, "Oh, what is this feeling?
What is wrong with me?"
She said, "Girl
Happens all the time"

"Now you are
Half a man!
Half a man!
Look, you're walking
And you're talking
Like a fag!"
Half a man
I am half a man
Holy Jesus
What a drag