Guttersnipe
Bhi Bhiman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I had a mama, at least I'd have a place to go
But I'm just a guttersnipe, I got no place to wipe my nose
I jumped the first train I saw, it'll surely take me home
A buzzard riding the rails
I steal my meals when all else fails
I'm right at home on the line
I've been to Juarez, I been to Houston, Baton Rouge
I got some good friends, some folks to really help me through
I've been all over, I spend my time just like I do
I stay out of trouble, but its got a way of finding you
A buzzard riding the rails
I steal my meals when all else fails
I'm right at home on the line
But I'm well on my way to feeling fine
I'm a railroad urchin
Searching for peace of mind
And I'm in need of some churchin'
And out here all I have is time
I can't get my money right, I can't even put my two cents in
I pray the lawmen, I hope they wont catch me again
And I'm just a vagabond, I live to see the light of dawn
The train beats a rhythm, and I love I love to sing along
A buzzard riding the rails
I steal my meals when all else fails
I never heeded the signs
But I'm well on my way to feeling fine
The song "Guttersnipe" by Bhi Bhiman paints a picture of a person who is living a life of instability and uncertainty. The opening line, "I jumped the first train I saw, it'll surely take me home" indicates that the singer is a wanderer, without a settled place to call home. This feeling of not belonging is reinforced in the second line, "If I had a mama, at least I'd have a place to go". The word "mama" here could be interpreted as a mother figure, or more broadly as a symbol of comfort and security.
The chorus of the song describes the singer as a "buzzard riding the rails", stealing their meals when they can't find any other source of food. Despite these hardships, the character seems to have found a degree of contentment in their lifestyle, stating "I'm right at home on the line, I'm well on my way to feeling fine". They have traveled to different places and have made friends along the way, but acknowledge that "trouble has a way of finding you".
In the second verse, the character describes themselves as a "railroad urchin, searching for peace of mind", emphasizing their outsider status. They long for the stability of a church but don't have access to one in their current situation. The character is also struggling with financial instability, unable to "put their two cents in". Despite this, they maintain a positive attitude, finding joy in the rhythm of the train and the act of singing.
Overall, "Guttersnipe" is a poignant song about living on the fringes of society and finding comfort in the midst of hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
I jumped the first train I saw, it'll surely take me home
I left wherever I was without thinking and hope to end up somewhere safe
If I had a mama, at least I'd have a place to go
I feel alone and homeless without anyone to go to for help
But I'm just a guttersnipe, I got no place to wipe my nose
I'm a poor and dirty person without proper hygiene or resources
A buzzard riding the rails
I'm a scavenger looking for food on trains
I steal my meals when all else fails
I only resort to stealing food when I can't find any other way to eat
I'm right at home on the line
I feel comfortable and familiar with the railroad life
I'm well on my way to feeling fine
Despite my hardships, I'm slowly becoming content with my life
I've been to Juarez, I been to Houston, Baton Rouge
I've traveled to different places in search of a better life
I got some good friends, some folks to really help me through
I have a support system that helps me survive
I've been all over, I spend my time just like I do
I'm used to this way of life and don't know how to do anything else
I stay out of trouble, but its got a way of finding you
I try to avoid problems, but they seem to come my way anyways
I'm a railroad urchin
I'm a poor and homeless person living on the railway system
Searching for peace of mind
I'm looking for mental and emotional stability and comfort
And I'm in need of some churchin'
I could benefit from religious guidance and support
And out here all I have is time
I have nothing else in my life except the trains and time
I can't get my money right, I can't even put my two cents in
I struggle to make any money or have any financial stability
I pray the lawmen, I hope they wont catch me again
I fear getting caught by the authorities for my illegal activities
And I'm just a vagabond, I live to see the light of dawn
I'm a wanderer who lives for each new day and the hope it brings
The train beats a rhythm, and I love I love to sing along
The train's sounds and vibrations bring me joy and comfort
I never heeded the signs
I ignored the warnings and consequences of my actions
Lyrics © STRINGHOPPER MUSIC PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BHI BHIMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mikey P
This song is beautiful, how is this not a huge hit?
Ricardo Fonseca
I really don't know . I really don't . This is an amazing song that make us travel , a simple, singular and amazing story, a life .
Sobine Cordato
Please do more original stuff like this. It’s so unusual and so beautiful. So is your voice—it carries such deep emotion without all the vocal hijinx today’s pop singers employ.
A collaboration between you and C.W. Stoneking would be fascinating I bet.
One Bad Comic
Moves me everytime. Keep going sir! You're going far...
Effort Award
This song is really moving. Dang. Thank you. I feel so lucky to have just watched this!
Prathap T
10 Years on and this song is still so gorgeous <3
Stan Flatt
I just found this song thanks to my sister. I see posts from 9 years ago. I'm new to this incredible artist. I've been playing it over and over though. Thank you! It is awesome!!!
Giulio Magrini
Thanks to Rhiannon for sharing this wonderful work. I will look for more of his work, and hopefully he will come to Pittsburgh.
Shawn Kelly
+Giulio Magrini February 21!!
Funny_Like_HaHa
this is such an amazing song.