Shoe Shine Boy
Billy Connolly Lyrics


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Shoeshine boy, he's makin' his money workin' dowtown on Main Street
Shoeshine boy, I know it ain't funny cleanin' everything on two feet
Get down, get down upon your knees and brush your blues away
It won't be long ‘til Saturday night and you'll be dancin' with your lady ‘til the break of day.

Shoeshine boy, don't have no ambition, just wants to be a kerbside boot black
Shoeshine boy, your daddy's getting older, gotta take the weight off his back
Get down, get down upon your knees and brush your blues away
It won't be long ‘til Saturday night and you'll be dancin' with your lady ‘til the break of day.

You know you feel so good when she comes to need you
And when you're dancin' together, you just can't beat you.

Get down, get down upon your knees and brush your blues away
It won't be long ‘til Saturday night and you'll be dancin' with your lady ‘til the break of day.

You know you feel so good when she comes to need you
And when you're dancin' together, you just can't beat you.

Shoeshine boy, he's makin' his money workin' dowtown on Main Street
Shoeshine boy, I know it ain't funny cleanin' everything on two feet




Get down, get down upon your knees and brush your blues away
It won't be long ‘til Saturday night and you'll be dancin' with your lady ‘til the break of day.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Billy Connolly's Shoe Shine Boy tell the story of a young boy who shines shoes for a living in downtown Main Street. Despite the nature of his work, the lyrics express happiness and optimism towards life, as the boy eagerly looks forward to the weekend where he can escape the drudgery of his work and 'dance with his lady until the break of day.'


The lyrics also suggest that the boy has no big ambitions in life and is content with his seemingly menial job. However, there is also an undertone of responsibility towards his family, as his father is getting older and he needs to take the weight off his back.


Overall, the lyrics of Shoe Shine Boy are motivational and uplifting as they suggest that irrespective of one's social standing in life, happiness can be found in simple things like the loving company of a partner and the thrill of dancing.


Line by Line Meaning

Shoeshine boy, he's makin' his money workin' downtown on Main Street
The shoeshine boy is earning a living shining shoes in the town's main street.


Shoeshine boy, I know it ain't funny cleanin' everything on two feet
The job of shining shoes is not glamorous, but it pays the bills.


Get down, get down upon your knees and brush your blues away
Shining shoes is hard work, but it can be therapeutic and help relieve stress.


It won't be long ‘til Saturday night and you'll be dancin' with your lady ‘til the break of day.
Despite the hard work, the shoeshine boy looks forward to Saturday night when he can relax and dance with his loved one.


Shoeshine boy, don't have no ambition, just wants to be a kerbside boot black
The shoeshine boy may not have grand aspirations, but he is content with his job and takes pride in his work.


Shoeshine boy, your daddy's getting older, gotta take the weight off his back
The shoeshine boy may be working to support his family, particularly his aging father who may no longer be able to work.


You know you feel so good when she comes to need you / And when you're dancin' together, you just can't beat you.
The shoeshine boy feels great when his partner comes to see him and when they dance together, nothing beats the joy in his heart.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GERRY RAFFERTY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@capothree

My friend Tony K. and I played this when we were at Cardiff Uni before we went out to the disco to get us in the mood.

@gratistoch

Thnx 4 putting this song on YT, brings back memories which I had with a lovely girl at the beach in Scheveningen in The Netherlands.

@jimwalker9373

I play this song at parties and it's great to ask " Who sung this" they don't beleave me when I tell them , what a brilliant tune, always loved it

@ResilientMichael

RIP Gerry R. Thanks for being a wonderful part of the soundtrack of my Life! Peace to you and yours.

@1130maui

Should have been a hit.
This is the first time I've heard this song and it's one of my favorites now!!
What a great sound!

@allsorts7049

I only heard of this band after Rafferty moved to a better place since then wanted to hear them and it’s my first day today brilliant stuff

@annmariesheridan5860

Brings back memories

@ballochdubh

Two of Scotlands greatest sons, these two were brilliant performers. Sorry we lost you Gerry it was all to soon.

@allsorts7049

Definitely right they the best

@thomasdbrady3696

Just a shame Gerry fell victim to the drink

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