Nappy Headed Boy

The ugly Don Imus controversy served to remind me of this wonderful Stevie Wonder song.

Of course, in spite of a similar choice of words, the lyrics to Wonder's "I Wish" can't be compared to the racist slur that Imus used to degrade the women of the Rutgers basketball team.

Calling yourself "a nappy headed boy" is very different from someone else calling a group of women "nappy headed hos."

As always, context is important.

Anyway, I thought of the song, and I can't get it out of my head.

I WISH

Looking back on when I
Was a little nappy headed boy
Then my only worry
Was for Christmas what would be my toy
Even though we sometimes
Would not get a thing
We were happy with the
Joy the day would bring

Sneaking out the back door
To hang out with those hoodlum friends of mine
Greeted at the back door
With boy thought I told you not to go outside,
Tryin your best to bring the
Water to your eyes
Thinkin it might stop her
From woopin your behind

I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ev-er have to go
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ev-er have to go
Cause I love them so

Brother says hes tellin
bout you playin doctor with that girl
Just don't tell I'll give you
Anything you want in this whole wide world
Mama gives you money for sunday school
You trade yours for candy after church is through

Smokin cigarettes and writing something nasty on the wall (you nasty boy)
Teacher sends you to the principals office down the wall
You grow up and learn that kinda thing aint right
But while you were doinit-it sure felt outta sight

I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ev-er have to go
I wish those days could come back once more
Why did those days ev-er have to go