Shoe Shine Boy - Duke Ellington Orchestra, Ivie Anderson

Though you haven’t many toys

You don’t envy any boys

Every day’s a work day

Your work is just a game

I’d like to sing your praise

But I don’t know your name

You’re just a shoe shine boy

You work hard all day

Shoe shine boy

Got no time to play

Every nickel helps a lot

So shine, shine, shoe shine boy

You find joy in the things you do Shoe shine boy seldom ever blue

You’re content with what you’ve got

So shine, shine, shoe shine boy

People look at you with scorn

'Cause your clothes are worn and torn

Still you never whine

You keep looking up and down the street

Pleading with each one you meet

Brother, can you spare a shine?

Oh, shoe shine boy, soon the day will come

Shoe shine boy soon a tune you’ll hum

Every nickel helps a lot

So shine, shine, shoe shine boy

Shoe shine, shoe shine boy