Poor Man's Shangri-La
Ry Cooder Lyrics
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He lives way up a road that's lost in time
Don't know his name or where he's coming from
Only thing you know
He's a real gone cat, this friend of mine
He don't have no uptown friends that drive a Cadillac
But he's got cool threads and a beat up car
All his downtown friends like me, ride around in the back
Cause he's a real cool cat
Yeah, he's a real gone cat, this friend of mine
La Loma boys will run with you
Do anything that you want 'em to
And if you need a friend 'cause you're feeling blue
Palo Verde girls never let you down
Na, na, na, na, na
Living in a poor man's Shangri-La
Na, na, na, na, na
Living in a poor man's Shangri-La
Firme guys in their firme cars
Underneath the moon and stars
The city lights way down below
What's that sound? What's that light?
Streaking down through the night
What's it mean? It's a red cloud over Chavez Ravine
Orale, UFO, come gliding low
Se cayo, up Chavez road
Space vato, square cat
Say, "Caramba, partners, where's the party at?"
I heard about the cool jerk and the alligator
And I heard about Tokay Wine, Mary Jane, and lil' Julian Herrera
I wanna learn to dance, make romance
These La Bishop girls might take a chance
My friend say, "No, be cool, bro'
If you want to dance slow
Learn to ask a mi hermana con respeto"
UFO's got a radio
Lil' Julian singing soft and low
Los Angeles down below
DJ say, we got to go, where?
To El Monte, El Monte, El Monte, pa El Monte
Na, na, na, na, na
Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La
Na, na, na, na, na
Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La
Na, na, na, na, na
Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La
Na, na, na, na, na, na
Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La
El Monte, El Monte
Come El Monte, come on, pa El Monte
Oh, the UFO got a radio
Na, na, na, na, na
Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La
The song "Poor Man's Shangri-La" by Ry Cooder is a tribute to a mysterious friend who lives in an unknown place deep in the wild, and who is known for his coolness and good heart. The lyrics describe the friend's lifestyle and his friends, who are mostly from the working class and are united in their love for music, dance, and good times. The song also contains references to various cultural elements that are a part of the southern California landscape, such as lowrider cars, Chicano music, and UFO sightings.
The first verse introduces the friend as an enigmatic figure who lives in seclusion, but who is highly respected by his friends for his cool demeanor and unique fashion sense. The second verse describes the friend's urban circle, which is made up of young people who spend their time cruising around in cars, listening to music, and having fun. The third verse takes a surreal turn, with references to UFO sightings and a red cloud over Chavez Ravine, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The song ends with a chorus that repeats the phrase "Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La", which implies that despite their modest means, the friend and his community are happy and fulfilled.
Overall, "Poor Man's Shangri-La" is a celebration of a little-known subculture of southern California that values friendship, music, and community over material wealth. The lyrics are full of references to cultural touchstones that are specific to this region, and the song's melody and rhythm evoke a sense of joyful and carefree spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell you 'bout a friend of mine that you don't know
I want to introduce you to a friend of mine that you've never met.
He lives way up a road that's lost in time
He lives up a road that seems to have been forgotten by time.
Don't know his name or where he's coming from
I don't know my friend's name or where he's originally from.
Only thing you know
The only thing you might know
He's a real gone cat, this friend of mine
He's a cool person to hang out with, my friend.
He don't have no uptown friends that drive a Cadillac
My friend doesn't associate with rich people who drive Cadillacs.
But he's got cool threads and a beat up car
However, he has some nice clothes and an old car.
All his downtown friends like me, ride around in the back
My friend's friends from downtown, like me, ride in the back of his car.
Cause he's a real cool cat, Yeah, he's a real gone cat, this friend of mine
Because, as I said, he's a cool person to hang out with.
La Loma boys will run with you
The boys from La Loma neighborhood will follow you anywhere.
Do anything that you want 'em to
They're down for anything you want to do.
And if you need a friend 'cause you're feeling blue
And if you need someone to talk to when you're sad,
Palo Verde girls never let you down
The girls from Palo Verde neighborhood will always have your back.
Na, na, na, na, na
A sound to fill the verse
Living in a poor man's Shangri-La
Living in a place that might not be rich, but still feels like paradise.
Firme guys in their firme cars
Good looking guys in nice cars.
Underneath the moon and stars
Driving around outside at night.
The city lights way down below
Looking at the lights of the city from a high point.
What's that sound? What's that light?
Asking about a strange noise and light.
Streaking down through the night
Moving rapidly along the sky.
What's it mean? It's a red cloud over Chavez Ravine
Wondering what the significance of the red cloud over Chavez Ravine neighborhood is.
Orale, UFO, come gliding low
An exclamation of surprise seeing a UFO flying low.
Se cayo, up Chavez road
The UFO crashed up on Chavez road.
Space vato, square cat
A slang term for an alien, square shaped spaceship.
Say, "Caramba, partners, where's the party at?"
"Wow, friends, where's the celebration?"
I heard about the cool jerk and the alligator
I heard about some cool dance and a dangerous animal.
And I heard about Tokay Wine, Mary Jane, and lil' Julian Herrera
I heard about some fancy drinks, drugs, and musicians.
I wanna learn to dance, make romance
I want to learn how to dance and find myself a romantic partner.
These La Bishop girls might take a chance
These La Bishop girls might be interested in me.
My friend say, "No, be cool, bro'
If you want to dance slow
Learn to ask a mi hermana con respeto"
My friend advises me to stay calm and respectful with girls, and ask politely before dancing.
UFO's got a radio
Lil' Julian singing soft and low
The UFO has a radio, and Lil' Julian is singing quietly.
Los Angeles down below
Looking over the city of Los Angeles from the UFO.
DJ say, we got to go, where?
The DJ says they have to leave, but where should they go?
To El Monte, El Monte, El Monte, pa El Monte
Off to El Monte, repeatedly
Na, na, na, na, na
Repeat sound
Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La
Still living in a somewhat poor but pleasant place.
El Monte, El Monte
Come El Monte, come on, pa El Monte
We're still on our way to El Monte.
Oh, the UFO got a radio
The UFO still has a radio.
Na, na, na, na, na
Repeat sound
Livin' in a poor man's Shangri-La
Still living in an affordable paradise.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gene Aguilera, Ry Cooder, William Anthony Garcia
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind