They would seek high, they would seek low
Calling their manchild as the trouble did flow
Theres always somebody to watch over me
Im never alone, I wish theyd leave me be

Never alone
Im never alone...

Im just a boy, not long for this world
Im called nelsito and Im thirteen years old
For nearly two decades this vendetta has raged
There are no men -- Im the last in the chain

Last in the chain
Im manchild man

Marimba sing high, marimba sing low,
Marimba sing high as the cemetery grows
All have been wept for husbands, brothers, grandsons,
Grandfathers, nephews, cousins, uncles, fathers, and sons

I walk in boots too big for me
The women do cry as they watch over me
I work at the altar, I try to be good
But just like the others, Ill soon travel in wood

I try to be good
Manchild in wood
I wait for manhood
Im the manchild.