Joseph
music and lyrics by Joe Croker

Umbaye umbaye
Stars a’ twinkle
As the babes they’re all abed
Hush of savannah grass
As the southern cross
It wheel overhead

Umbaye
Joseph, you are my friend
Baye
You’re so polite
So African

Across the counter
At the fluorescent department store
Your eyes like mine did
When I worked there
Surely must fall sometimes to the floor

Baye
Hold your head up
Hold your head high
Baye
Aint nothing more dignified

What brought you here?
What brought you here?
Oh I—I think I know
Education like medicine
Engineering for the folks back home

Baye
Hold your head
Hold your head high
Baye
There aint nothing more dignified

So I’m checking out
Yeah I’m checking out
I’m checking out
You pass my card back, smile, and say,
"You know, we have the same name"

Baye
Oh Joseph
You are my friend

Stars a’ twinkle
As the little babes they’re all abed
Hush of savannah grass
As the southern cross
It wheel overhead

Umbaye
Joseph, you are my friend