The Creative Works of Jonny Leather

Song of the Day: Betty Davis – “They Say I’m Different”

Released: 1974
Album: They Say I’m Different

When it comes to classic funk rock, the discussion generally revolves around a few key artists: Parliament/Funkadelic, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Curtis Mayfield. Betty Davis has long deserved to have her name held in the same high regard. Fortunately, in recent years—thanks in part to reissues and a documentary—Betty has begun to get recognition as one of the all time greats of the genre. Her uninhibited lyrics, fiery vocals and intensely funky arrangements helped write the rules of funk and inspired generations of musicians who would follow. Sadly, the funk pioneer died earlier this week at the age of 77.

An artist statement of sorts, “They Say I’m Different” is one of the definitive songs of Betty’s career.

[Verse 1]
They say I’m different ’cause I’m a piece of sugar cane
Sweet to the core, that’s why I got rhythm
My great grandma didn’t like the foxtrot
Nah, instead she’d spit her snuff and boogie to Elmore James

They say I’m different ’cause I eat chitlins
I can’t help it I was born and raised on’em, that’s right
Every mornin’ I’d have to slop the hogs
And they’d be gettin’ off humpin’ to John Lee Hooker

They say I’m different ’cause I’m a piece of sugar cane
And when I kick my legs, I got rhythm
My great grandpa was a blues lover
He’d be rockin’ his moonshine to B.B. King and Jimmy Reed
Rock on now

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[Chorus]
And that’s why they say I’m different
And that’s why they say I’m strange

[Verse 2]
I’m talkin bout Big Momma Thornton
Lightning Hopkins
Howling Wolf
Albert King
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry
When I was sweet sixteen
[Chorus]
And that’s why they say I’m different
And that’s why you think I’m strange

[Verse 3]
I’m talkin’ bout T-Bone Walker
(I get my) Muddy Waters
Leadbelly
Sonny Terry
Brownie Mcghee
Son House and Freddie King
Bessie Smith
Bessie Smith
Oh, Hey
Bo Diddley, have you heard?

[Chorus]
That’s why they say I’m different
That’s why they say I’m strange
That’s why they say I’m funky

[Verse 4]
Little Richard
Wow, you sure showed ’em you sure could sing
Alright, alright
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson
He played the blues for me

[Outro]
That’s why
And that’s why
And that’s why they say I’m different

That’s why
And that’s why
And that’s why they say I’m strange

That’s why
And that’s why
And that’s why they say I’m funky