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 (hmmmm....mmmm......)



When I left my home and my family, I was no more than a boy

In the company of strangers.....

In the quiet of the railway station, runnin' scared

Laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters, where the ragged people go

Looking for the places only they would know



(Li la li... li la la la li la li)

(Li la li... li la la la li la li)

(La la la la li...)



Seeking only workman's wages, I come looking for a job, but I get no offers.....

Just a come-on from the whores on Seventh Avenue

I do declare, there were times when I was so lonesome

I took some comfort there (li la la, la, la la)



Now the years are rolling by me, they are rockin' even me

I am older than I once was, and younger than I'll be, that's not unusual

No it isn't strange, after changes upon changes, we are more or less the same

After changes we are more or less the same ...



(Li la li... li la la la li la li)

(Li la li... li la la la li la li)

(La la la la li...)



And I'm laying out my winter clothes, wishing I was gone, goin' home

Where the New York city winters aren't bleedin' me, leadin' me to go home



In the clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade

And he carries the reminder of every glove that laid him down or cut him

'Til he cried out in his anger and his shame

I am leaving, I am leaving, but the fighter still remains

Yes, he still remains ...



(Li la li... li la la la li la li)

(Li la li... li la la la li la li)

(La la la la li...)

(Li la la la li la li)

(Li la li... li la la la li la li)

(La la la la li...)

(Li la la la li la li)

(Li la li... li la la la li la li)