Story Behind The Song
Segregation was ending when I was a baby in the south.In 1995 the OJ Simpson trial,in my mind,turned the clock back by making it all about color,not character. This was my response.
Song Description
The song is about an ideal situation where we are equals to each other without regard for color or race. There are only two races "good and bad at heart".
| Song Length |
3:25 |
Genre |
Folk - Country, Country - General |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Composed |
Subject |
Judgement |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
Henry
By
Harry Wendell Hall
I spent the afternoon, fishing with Henry, as we have so many times.
Call it a habit, call it a ritual, it's an important one in our lives.
We had a few beers, a cigar or two, then we went to his home to eat.
His wife Betty and his daughter June, prepare a meal that can't be beat.
Then we talked some more, had some coffee and pie, it's always hard to leave.
So much deeper and richer my life is, for knowing people such as these.
(Chorus)
Henry and I. we've been through it all, maybe to hell and back.
I didn't notice, 'til somebody told me, Henry's skin is black.
There's a lot of talk, I've been hearing here lately about how many different races there are.
But in my mind, there are only two kinds: good and bad at heart.
Have we all forgotten what a great man said, not that many years ago?
It's not the color of the skin but the character within, that a man should be judged upon.
(repeat chorus and opening chord progression
Wouldn't it be fine if we were all color blind?
(wrtten1995; recorded and released 2010