That’s Not the Way We Do Things

[MR. TAMBO (as Leibowitz), spoken]
It’s a whole new world up North! And by gum, it’s time the South started seeing things our way too!

(singing)

I was passing by two water fountains Saturday night
One was marked “for colored only” and the other for white
Well, I know that that’s the custom here in Alabama
But that’s not the way we do things in New York

I was waiting in the courthouse for the trial to begin
When I noticed in the men’s room, only white men came in
Well, I know that that’s the custom here in Alabama
But that’s not the way we do things in New York

Back in Manhattan, ask anyone
There’s no bigger voice for еqual rights than me
I fight for it!
I live for it!
Just ask my maid Magnolia
And I’m sure shе’d agree

Let me say, the folks up North all wanna show their support
So I’m here to help you through your trying hour in court
Though the law may be myopic here in Alabama
That is not the way we see things
That’s not the way we feel things
That’s not the way we do things in New York

Back in Manhattan, ask anyone
There’s no bigger voice for equal rights than me
I fight for it!
I live for it!
Just ask my cook Jemima

[ROY (as Jemima), spoken]
Mammy just loves her Mr. Sammy!

[MR. TAMBO (as Leibowitz)]
Just ask my chauffeur, Rufus

[ANDY (as Chauffeur), spoken]
What a mensch!

[MR. TAMBO (as Leibowitz)]
Just ask my colored laundress
And I’m sure they’ll agree

[CLARENCE (as Laundress), spoken]
That’s right! Give ‘em hell, Mr. L!

[MR. TAMBO (as Leibowitz)]
As I said, the folks up North all wanna see you go free
So they’ve sent you down the very best
That’s right, they sent me!
Although the law may be disgusting here in Alabama
That is not the way we see things
That’s not the way we feel things
That’s not the way we do things in New York!