Confidence Man
The Jeff Healey Band Lyrics
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Had your number, baby, but I lost it
I know your love was just a flimflam
No, you can't pull the wool over me
'Cause I'm a confidence man
I can talk old ladies out of all of their money
I can talk young girls into calling me honey
You can talk all you want, babe, but I got fast hands, uh-huh
You're a real soft touch, but I'm a confidence man
I know your mother taught you how to bake a cherry pie
And read a book
Your daddy taught you how to tell a lie
And not get shook
Let me tell you something, baby, you better learn
If you're gonna con the con man, you're liable to get burned
Now, now, now, we were stretched out on the floor, baby, it's all elastic
But you stretched it too tight and it snapped like plastic
And the pieces went flying across the badlands
No discouraging word could be heard
'Cause I'm a confidence man
Now, maybe Chicago is where you're bound
But love is a cheap perfume, it hangs around
And you roll the dice, now let the bet stand
No, you can't pull the wool over me
'Cause I'm a confidence man
No, you can't pull the wool over me
'Cause I'm a confidence man
Said, you can't pull the wool over me
'Cause I'm a confidence man
The Jeff Healey Band's song "Confidence Man" explores the idea of deceit and manipulation in relationships. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been burned in the past by someone who duped him with their confidence and charm, leading to the loss of a relationship. The opening line reveals the singer's feeling of betrayal: "Well, I lost you at the border when you crossed it, had your number, baby, but I lost it." This line indicates that the singer had the tools to keep the relationship going, including the person's contact information, but it was all for naught. The phrase "confidence man" refers to someone who gains the trust of individuals through manipulation or deception, highlighting the dishonesty in the relationship.
The singer of the song describes himself as adept at charming people out of money and using his smooth-talking ways to his advantage. But he is wise to the tricks of others who might try to deceive him, claiming "you're a real soft touch, but I'm a confidence man." He warns the other person that if they try to con him, they might end up getting burned. In the end, the singer triumphs over the other person, who is left with nothing but shattered illusions, while the singer walks away unscathed.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I lost you at the border when you crossed it
I lost you when you crossed the line, you're not reliable.
Had your number, baby, but I lost it
I had some way to get in touch with you, but I lost it.
I know your love was just a flimflam
I know your love was fake, a scam.
No, you can't pull the wool over me
You can't deceive me.
'Cause I'm a confidence man
I'm an experienced trickster, you can't outsmart me.
I can talk old ladies out of all of their money
I can convince elderly women to give me all their money.
I can talk young girls into calling me honey
I can persuade young girls to see me as a lover.
You can talk all you want, babe, but I got fast hands, uh-huh
You can try to talk your way out, but I'm quick on my feet.
You're a real soft touch, but I'm a confidence man
You're vulnerable, but I'm used to taking advantage of people.
I know your mother taught you how to bake a cherry pie
I know your family background very well.
And read a book
You know how to read.
Your daddy taught you how to tell a lie
Your father taught you how to deceive people.
And not get shook
And do it without hesitation.
Let me tell you something, baby, you better learn
Listen up, you need to know this.
If you're gonna con the con man, you're liable to get burned
If you try to deceive me, you're likely to end up hurt.
Now, now, now, we were stretched out on the floor, baby, it's all elastic
We were once close, but it was flexible and changeable.
But you stretched it too tight and it snapped like plastic
You went too far and it broke completely.
And the pieces went flying across the badlands
And it caused a mess, a disruption in our relationship.
No discouraging word could be heard
I'm unshakable, nothing you say can bring me down.
'Cause I'm a confidence man
I'm too experienced to be easily defeated.
Now, maybe Chicago is where you're bound
Maybe you're planning to go to Chicago.
But love is a cheap perfume, it hangs around
Love is fleeting, you can't depend on it forever.
And you roll the dice, now let the bet stand
You take risks, but have to accept the consequences.
No, you can't pull the wool over me
You can't deceive me.
'Cause I'm a confidence man
I'm an experienced trickster, you can't outsmart me.
No, you can't pull the wool over me
You can't deceive me.
'Cause I'm a confidence man
I'm an experienced trickster, you can't outsmart me.
Said, you can't pull the wool over me
You can't deceive me.
'Cause I'm a confidence man
I'm an experienced trickster, you can't outsmart me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Hiatt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jumpin' JAKE Flash
Such an awesome guitarist who didn't let his blindness control his life. He's one of my favorite guitarists ever.
TrulygreenSolution
Jeff Healey was an amazing talent, who died too young! Rest in peace, Confidence Man...
Bob Everett
One of the most diversified, incredibly talented, bad ass musicians there ever was! One of the top all time guitarists there ever was! R.I.P. Jeff...your music will forever inspire others and enlighten their hearts as to what a true talent you were.
serenityinside1
well said- i for one heartily agree.
grizzlybexar
Damn right! He played in Austin one night and after their show he went down to 6th St and jammed with some local bands at a few clubs.
Srikantha Aruna
@grizzlybexar
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Lu yuk b .
Jonathan Squires
Tru dat...space cowboy 🤠
Jonathan Squires
In time..Jeff Healey should be recognized as one the best guitarists of recent time
MrLiam1025
One of the greatest guitar solos of all time
Ty Leigh
hell yea it is