“Half a Man” is a satirical song in which a gay-hating trucker threatens to kill a transvestite–and ends up “catching” homosexuality.
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
Half a Man was written by Randy Newman.
Half a Man was produced by Lenny Waronker & Russ Titelman.
Randy Newman released Half a Man on Sat Aug 18 1979.