| [00:22.333] |
I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra |
| [00:29.447] |
I was born blue and weathered but I burst just like a supernova |
| [00:36.487] |
I could walk like Brando right into the sun |
| [00:40.446] |
Then dance just like a Casanova |
| [00:45.423] |
With my blackjack and jacket and hair slicked sweet |
| [00:49.119] |
Silver star studs on my duds like a Harley in heat |
| [00:52.550] |
When I strut down the street I could hear its heartbeat |
| [00:56.941] |
The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty" |
| [01:00.228] |
The cripple on the corner cried out "Nickels for your pity" |
| [01:03.301] |
Them gasoline boys downtown sure talk gritty |
| [01:06.420] |
It's so hard to be a saint in the city |
| [01:10.696] |
|
| [01:14.707] |
I was the king of the alley, mama, I could talk some trash |
| [01:21.916] |
I was the prince of the paupers crowned downtown at the beggar's bash |
| [01:28.884] |
I was the pimp's main prophet I kept everything cool |
| [01:32.597] |
Just a backstreet gambler with the luck to lose |
| [01:37.781] |
And when the heat came down it was left on the ground |
| [01:42.349] |
The devil appeared like Jesus through the steam in the street |
| [01:45.484] |
Showin' me a hand I knew even the cops couldn't beat |
| [01:48.605] |
I felt his hot breath on my neck as I dove into the heat |
| [01:51.941] |
It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy out on the street |
| [01:57.452] |
|
| [02:00.522] |
And the sages of the subway sit just like the living dead |
| [02:04.204] |
As the tracks clack out the rhythm their eyes fixed straight ahead |
| [02:07.900] |
They ride the line of balance and hold on by just a thread |
| [02:11.225] |
But it's too hot in these tunnels you can get hit up by the heat |
| [02:14.890] |
You get up to get out at your next stop but they push you back down in your seat |
| [02:18.732] |
Your heart starts beatin' faster as you struggle to your feet |
| [02:21.767] |
Then you're outa that hole and back up on the street |
| [02:25.542] |
And them South Side sisters sure look pretty |
| [02:29.199] |
The cripple on the corner cries out "Nickels for your pity" |
| [02:32.695] |
And them downtown boys sure talk gritty |
| [02:36.031] |
It's so hard to be a saint in the city |
| [02:39.447] |
|
