my life is a sham,   i pretend that I'm me.   my life is a sham,   i pretend that I'm free.   wake up, wake up, it's time for me to go   america loves the minstrel show   i don't wanna hurt you, but if I do I'll pay,   i don't wanna hurt you, but if I do I'll pay.   i live in the dark where nothing can ever grow   america loves the minstrel show   it's the thief whose the first to accuse others they steal   it's the fake who claims to always know who is real   and millions all want to bathe in his glow   america loves the minstrel show   america loves the minstrel show    they love me babe, there's a line around the block.   they love me babe, compared to that, what have you got?   wouldn't it be a crime to just let it go?   america loves the minstrel show   they'll never forget me and the funny faces I make,   they'll never forget me and the funny faces I make,   I make them forget that they'll reap what they sow.   america loves the minstrel show   america loves the minstrel show   america loves the minstrel show