Madam and the Census Man lyrics
by Langston Hughes
The census man,
The day he came round,
Wanted my name
To put it down.
I said, Johnson,
Alberta K.
But he hated to write
The K that way.
He said, What
Does K stand for?
I said, K--
And nothing more.
He said, I'm gonna put it
KÐAÐY.
I said, If you do,
You lie.
My mother christened me
Alberta K.
You leave my name
Just that way!
He said, Mrs.,
(With a snort)
Just a K
Makes your name too short.
I said, I don't
Give a damn!
Leave me and my name
Just like I am!
Furthermore, rub out
That MRS., too--
I'll have you know
I'm Madam to you!