Roy E. Glenn, Sr. (June 3, 1914 – March 12, 1971) was an African-American character actor who was born in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Glenn's career spanned five decades, beginning in radio with shows such as Amos 'n Andy and The Jack Benny Show. He made numerous appearances on television, from its early days until 1970. His first film appearance was in Kelly the Second (1936), followed by Dark Manhattan (1937). His other film credits include The Jackie Robinson Story (1950), Carmen Jones (1954), Porgy and Bess (1959), A Raisin in the Sun (1961), with Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Claudia McNeil, and a memorable turn as Mr. Prentice (again playing opposite Poitier) in the 1967 feature film Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Roy Glenn's last big screen appearance was in Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971).
Glenn died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 56, due to cardiovascular disease.
I packed up my truck an' everything I owned:
I said my goodbye's and threw away my 'phone,
I didn't know where I was goin', so I just drove.
South of Miami, down through the Keys,
Road fin'lly ended when I hit the sea.
Sent a postcard home sayin': "Don't y'all worry 'bout
me."
I'm just holding back the ocean,
Makin' sure the breeze keeps blowin'.
Watchin' over the stars at night,
Till the sun shines bright in the morning.
I ain't worried 'bout a damn thing,
Keep your gold watches and your brass rings.
I'm tired of goin' through the motions:
I'm just holding back the ocean.
String bikinis an' long blonde hair,
An' you can taste the salt in the air.
People laughin' and actin' like they don't have a
prayer.
It's twenty-four seven at my new occupation.
Don't even earn a dime but I wouldn't trade it:
I'm workin' overtime on this permanent vacation.
I'm just holding back the ocean,
Makin' sure the breeze keeps blowin'.
Watchin' over the stars at night,
Till the sun shines bright in the morning.
I ain't worried 'bout a damn thing,
Keep your gold watches and your brass rings.
I'm tired of goin' through the motions:
I'm just holding back the ocean.
It's up to you what you do with your life.
I'll be spendin' mine.
I'm just holding back the ocean,
Makin' sure the breeze keeps blowin'.
Watchin' over the stars at night,
Till the sun shines bright in the morning.
I ain't worried 'bout a damn thing,
Keep your gold watches and your brass rings.
I'm tired of goin' through the motions:
I'm just holding back the ocean.
I'm tired of goin' through the motions: