It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City
David Bowie Lyrics

I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra
I had a tough exterior and an intimidating presence.

I was born blue and weathered but I burst just like a supernova
I had a difficult upbringing, but I had the potential for greatness.

I could walk like Brando right into the sun
I had confidence and swagger.

Then dance just like a Casanova
I was smooth and charming.

With my blackjack and jacket and hair slicked sweet
I had a tough persona and a stylish appearance.

Silver star studs on my duds like a Harley in heat
My clothing had embellishments that made a statement and reflected my edgy personality.

When I strut down the street I could hear its heartbeat
I had an imposing presence that commanded attention.

The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty"
Women were attracted to me.

The cripple on the corner cried out "Nickels for your pity"
People begged for money or assistance from me.

Them gasoline boys downtown sure talk gritty
I encountered tough characters in rough areas of the city.

It's so hard to be a saint in the city
It's difficult to stay morally upright in a corrupt and challenging environment.

I was the king of the alley, mama, I could talk some trash
I was a street-smart individual who knew how to talk tough.

I was the prince of the paupers crowned downtown at the beggar's bash
I was the most successful among those who didn't have much.

I was the pimp's main prophet I kept everything cool
I was a valuable advisor to those in the underground world.

Just a backstreet gambler with the luck to lose
I took risks and often came up short.

And when the heat came down it was left on the ground
When things got tough, I stood strong and outlasted my enemies.

The devil appeared like Jesus through the steam in the street
I was confronted by an intimidating foe who seemed larger than life.

Showin' me a hand I knew even the cops couldn't beat
My opponent's strength and strategy was so impressive that even law enforcement couldn't match it.

I felt his hot breath on my neck as I dove into the heat
I was in a tense and dangerous situation that required quick thinking and action.

It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy out on the street
It's difficult to maintain one's integrity and values when faced with adversity and temptation.

And the sages of the subway sit just like the living dead
People who spend a lot of time underground in the city seem drained and lifeless.

As the tracks clack out the rhythm their eyes fixed straight ahead
Those riding on public transportation are often detached and unresponsive to their surroundings.

They ride the line of balance and hold on by just a thread
People barely keep it together and struggle to stay afloat.

But it's too hot in these tunnels you can get hit up by the heat
The underground is a dangerous and uncomfortable place to be.

You get up to get out at your next stop but they push you back down in your seat
Escape from the claustrophobic and oppressive subway is difficult and unlikely.

Your heart starts beatin' faster as you struggle to your feet
The anxiety of being trapped elevates your heart rate and makes it difficult to cope.

Then you're outta that hole and back up on the street
Exiting the subway and once again being above ground is a relief.

And them South Side sisters sure look pretty
Women in the southern part of the city are especially attractive.

The cripple on the corner cries out "Nickels for your pity"
Less fortunate people continue to beg for money.

And them downtown boys sure talk gritty
Tough individuals in the downtown area are intimidating and aggressive.

It's so hard to be a saint in the city
Maintaining one's moral compass in this environment is an ongoing struggle.