Jimmy Brown The Newsboy
Bill Monroe Lyrics


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I sell the morning paper, Sir, my name is Jimmy Brown
Everybody knows that I'm the newsboy of the town

You can hear me yelling "Morning Star", as I run along the street
I've got no hat upon my head, no shoes upon my feet
I sell the morning paper, Sir, my name is Jimmy Brown
Everybody knows that I'm the newsboy of the town
Never mind, Sir, how I look, don't look at me and frown
I sell the morning paper, Sir, my name is Jimmy Brown
I'm awful cold and hungry, Sir, my clothes are mighty thin
I wander 'bout from place to place, my daily bread to win

I sell the morning paper, Sir, my name is Jimmy Brown
Everybody knows that I'm the newsboy of the town

My father was a drunkard, Sir, I've heard my mother say
And I am helping my Mother, Sir, as I journey on my way
My mother always tells me, Sir, I've nothing in the world to lose
I'll get a place in Heaven, Sir, selling the "Gospel News"





I sell the morning paper, Sir, my name is Jimmy Brown
Everybody knows that I'm the newsboy of the town

Overall Meaning

The song "Jimmy Brown The Newsboy" by Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys portrays the hard life of a young boy named Jimmy Brown who sells newspapers to support himself and his mother. The lyrics express the struggles that Jimmy faces every day, including hunger, poverty, and judgment from strangers. Even though he doesn't have any shoes or a hat, he continues to yell "Morning Star" while running from place to place to sell newspapers.


The song reveals that Jimmy's father was a drunkard, and his mother is struggling to provide for him. Despite his difficult circumstances, Jimmy remains optimistic and hopeful about his future. He believes that by selling the "Gospel News," he can earn a place in heaven.


The song is a reflection of the harsh realities of poverty and the resilience of those who must face it. It also highlights the significance of work ethic and determination to succeed in life.


Line by Line Meaning

I sell the morning paper, Sir, my name is Jimmy Brown
I am a boy named Jimmy Brown, and my job is to sell the morning newspapers around town.


Everybody knows that I'm the newsboy of the town
People in this town are familiar with my reputation as a newsboy.


You can hear me yelling 'Morning Star', as I run along the street
While I'm running and delivering newspapers, I shout the name of the newspaper I'm selling.


I've got no hat upon my head, no shoes upon my feet
I don't have proper attire for the weather, and I walk around barefoot.


Never mind, Sir, how I look, don't look at me and frown
Don't worry about my physical appearance, and please don't judge me based on it.


I'm awful cold and hungry, Sir, my clothes are mighty thin
I feel terribly cold and hungry, and my clothes don't provide me with enough warmth.


I wander 'bout from place to place, my daily bread to win
I'm constantly moving around different locations to sell newspapers to earn my living.


My father was a drunkard, Sir, I've heard my mother say
My mother has told me that my father had problems with alcohol.


And I am helping my Mother, Sir, as I journey on my way
I'm supporting my mother financially as I travel around selling newspapers.


My mother always tells me, Sir, I've nothing in the world to lose
My mother encourages me to remain optimistic despite our challenging circumstances.


I'll get a place in Heaven, Sir, selling the 'Gospel News'
My mother believes that by selling a religious newspaper, I'll be rewarded with a place in heaven.




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