[Verse 1] There's a workshop down on Main Street With a chart upon the wall They can tell you who the villain is Without knowing you at all I asked where to put my choices, What I'd done and what I'd said They said, "We can skip that section. We can see your face instead." [Verse 2] They handed me a confession For a century I missed Said the deeds of total strangers Ought to go upon my list I've got plenty I should answer for And apologies still due But I can't repent for being born ... And neither, friend, can you [Chorus] Color me guilty Give my skin the blame Never mind the life I've lived ... You don't even need my name If I've done you wrong, I'll answer For the things I chose to do But I won't confess a color ... And I won't ask that of you [Verse 3] I sat down with my neighbor He told me what he'd seen Doors that closed before he knocked And words that cut him clean I don't need a guilt certificate To stand beside that man I can hear him, I can help him, I can offer him my hand [Chorus] Color me guilty Give my skin the blame Never mind the life I've lived ... You don't even need my name If I've done you wrong, I'll answer For the things I chose to do But I won't confess a color ... And I won't ask that of you [Verse 4] When I kneel before my Savior, I don't bring a color chart I bring every wrong I've chosen And the trouble in my heart He can name the things that need to change Without blaming how I'm made He can wash the wrong I've done ... He doesn't wash away my shade [Bridge] Lord, don't let me do to others What I hate when done to me Help me see the person standing there ... Not a guilty family tree [Final Chorus] Color me guilty Give my skin the blame Never mind the life I've lived ... You don't even need my name If I've done you wrong, I'll answer For the things I chose to do But I won't confess a color ... And I won't ask that of you [Outro] Color me human. Call me by my name.
