I am just a poor boy. Though my story・s seldom told・ I have squandered my resistance For a pocketful of mumbles・ Such are promises・ All lies and jest・ Still a man hears what he wants to hear・ And disregards the rest・
When Ileft my home And my family・ I was no more than a boy In the company of strangers In the quiet of the railway station Running scared・ Laying low・ Seeking out the poorer quarters Where the ragged people go・ Looking for the places Only they would know・
Asking only workman's wages Icome looking for a job, But I get to offers. Just a come-on from the whores on Seventh Avenue. I do declare, There were times when I was lonesome I took some comfort there.
Then I'm laying out my winter clothes And wishing Iwas gone, Going home Where the New York City winters Aren't bleeding me, Leading me, Going home.
In the clearing stands a boxer. And a fighter by his trade, And he carries the reminders Of ev'ry glove that laid him down Or cut him till he cried out In his anger and his shame. "I am leaving, Iam leaving." But the fighter still remains.
