“I’m The Greatest”: Mohammed Ali, The Black Superman

Yesterday was Mohammed Ali’s birthday. Growing up he was one of the people I idolized. Maybe because of all that he did and stood for but I’m more inclined to think it was because of the trippy number in my Dad’s collection.

My first introduction to Mohammed Ali was in a song – Black Superman. I still love that song. It talked about Ali being as agile as a butterfly and quick as a bee. It described him in many ways but the only colour reference was in the title. The song was the first bit of Mohammed Ali to catch my attention; it was only after that that I found out who Mohammed Ali was. And also found out he was actually black. (I’m duh…) :D

Have you heard the song Black Superman by Johnny Wakelin & The Kinshasa Band?



The Lyrics -

This here's the story of Cassius Clay
Who changed his name to Muhammad Ali
He knows how to talk and he knows how to fight
And all the contenders were beat out of sight

Sing, Muhammad, Muhammad Ali
He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee
Mohammed, the black superman
Who calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can

Now all you fight fans, you've got to agree
There ain't no flies on Muhammad Ali
He fills the arena wherever he goes
And everyone gets what they paid for

Muhammad, was known to have said
You watch me shuffle and I'll jab off your head
He moves like the black superman
And calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can

He says I'm the greatest the worlds ever seen
The heavyweight champion who came back again
My face is so pretty you don't see a scar
Which proves I'm the king of the ring by far

Sing, Muhammad, Muhammad Ali
He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee
Mohammed, the black superman
Who calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can

Sing, Muhammad, Muhammad Ali
He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee
Muhammad, the black superman
Who calls to the other guy I'm Ali catch me if you can
I'm Ali catch me if you can