I've done your work for twelve long years.
Why do you call me "Boy"?
How can you look me in the face,
And treat me like a toy?

I am not your "Spanish Boy".
I'm MEXICAN and a MAN.
Just put your hands between my legs,
And match that if you can.

My parents gave MY NAME to me.
A name my God did bless.
What gives you rights to change it now,
To Jesse or to Jess.

When you look into my face,
You see my downcast eyes.
If you could see into my heart,
You would have a great surprise.

If you think my stance is for respect,
Then you don't know my race.
To bare my soul to one like you,
Would be a grand disgrace.

You see my smile and hear my laugh.
You think that I am glad.
I will not give you pleasure,
To see me when I'm mad.


Do you ever wonder what I think?
Or if I love my wife?
Do you realize I'm human,
And that I have a life?

How many children do I have?
What are my babies names?
These things you never ask me.
To you we are all the same.

I have a history, life and pride.
Like other men I hurt and love.
I sleep,I eat,I dance and sing,
And pray to God above.

My father gave me huevos grandes.
You all call them balls.
With these I stand the pressures,
When on my your work falls.

Why don't you match me step by step,
And work with me all day?
Then when the month has ended,
Try to live on what you pay?

You don't care if I'm hungry,
Or if my wife is sick.
You say that your my friend señor,
But I think your a prick.

Why do you make me wait for pay?
It's money that I earn.
You act as if it is a gift.
Some manners you should learn.

When immigration takes me,
You joke with your good friend,
"The little bastard will be back,
Before this week will end".

You do not know what happens.
You never stop to think.
You slap your friend upon the back,
And buy another drink.

I'm out there...tired and hungry.
I'm broke and all alone.
Would you come to get me,
If I called you on the phone?

Who pays me for the time I lost?
Who feeds my family dear?
My heart is heavy now with hurt,
But you don't even hear.

My father died in Mexico.
A letter came today.
My brother brought it to me,
While I was bringing in your hay.

I took a break to read it.
My mind was going crazy.
You did not look into my eyes,
Just cursed at me for lazy.

You think that I am stupid,
And that I don't understand.
Oh..si señor..I hear you,
But my mind you can't command.

My brilliant smile is the face,
That I will show to you.
You'll never see the inner man,
I share with just a few.

The truth I share inside my home,
And to my family there.
The only face I give to you,
Is that I don't damn well care.

So just pay me what you owe me,
And work me til I'm dead.
I am a real proud MEXICAN MAN..
NOW!.... REMEMBER WHAT I SAID!