Philadelphia Boy
David Ford Lyrics

Across the old Delaware, I fell apart
The singer experienced a personal breakdown while crossing the Delaware River.

In the city of brotherly love
The breakdown occurred in Philadelphia, where brotherly love is famously a part of the city's identity.

And the winter bit hard through the holes in my jacket
The cold weather was physically uncomfortable and added to the singer's emotional distress.

And my thoughts lean toward giving up
The artist was experiencing feelings of hopelessness and considering giving up on something.

See, I've been a wanderer and it's been some time
The artist has been traveling and unsettled for a while.

Since I found somewhere I could belong
The singer has not felt like they belong anywhere until arriving in Philadelphia.

‘Til the cold wind on Walnut Street whistled in the trees
The singer became emotionally moved by the sounds of the wind on an iconic Philadelphia street.

And it sounded to me like a song
The sounds of the street created a sense of musical beauty.

Said: "When you're down and you're out
An unknown person is speaking to the artist, offering them guidance and support.

And don't remember the feeling of joy
The artist has been in a state where they cannot feel happiness.

You can lean on me, brother
The unknown person is offering to be a supportive figure in the singer's life.

I won't let you fall
The unknown person will not let the artist harm themselves or fail.

Not while I'm a Philadelphia boy
The unknown person identifies with the supportive, brotherly culture of Philadelphia.

Oh Lord, not while I'm a Philadelphia boy
The unknown person reiterates their loyalty to this cultural identity.

I took a walk through the city
The singer explores Philadelphia by foot.

I bumped shoulders with strangers
The artist brushes past and interacts with unfamiliar people.

The sinners, the saints and the thieves
The artist encounters a diverse cross-section of people in Philadelphia.

I looked in faces befitting a cynical age
The city's residents may seem jaded or weary due to the harsh realities of modern life.

But we so desperately want to believe
Despite the cynicism, there is a deep desire for hope and faith.

And when I needed a doctor and a brother and a friend
The artist was in need of both medical attention and emotional support.

Turned out I wasn't so far from my home
Philadelphia became a symbol of home and belonging for the artist.

‘Cause sweet Philadelphia opened her arms
The city was welcoming and nurturing to the artist.

Took me in like I was one of her own
The singer was embraced and accepted as if they were a native Philadelphian.

Just a rounder in need of a home
The artist self-identifies as someone without a stable home or community.

And a brother who won't let me go
The unknown person has become a supportive figure to the singer who sticks by even when times are tough.

Benny Franklin's an old friend, you know
The singer feels a connection to Benjamin Franklin, a historic figure that helped shape Philadelphia and the United States.

He's not just some face on a hundred dollar bill
The singer wants to emphasize that Franklin is more than just a symbol of currency.

He's my old Philadelphia boy
Franklin serves as a symbol of brotherhood in Philadelphia, a city he had a significant impact on.

Oh Lord, he's a good old Philadelphia boy
The artist clearly identifies and aligns with the positive cultural identity of Philadelphia, as represented by Franklin.

Now I wasn't raised Christian
The singer has a non-Christian religious background or lack thereof.

Oh, but I was raised good
The singer was brought up with positive values and morals.

I never looked to no heavens above
The artist has not relied on any particular religion or supernatural force to guide their life.

But my wretched old soul is in safe hands tonight
Despite not being religious, the artist feels like their emotional well-being is being taken care of in Philadelphia.

In the city of brotherly love
Philadelphia is once again emphasized as a place of nurturing and support.

So I'll be out for a slice at Lorenzo tonight
The singer plans on getting a slice of pizza from a specific restaurant, Lorenzo's.

With a poker chip tight in my hand
The artist plans on gambling or playing poker that night.

If you need a ride, I'll be parked right outside
The singer is willing to provide transportation to someone who may need it.

If you need a brother, well, I'm your man
The singer is willing to be a supportive figure to anyone who may need it.

‘Cause when you're down and you're out
The singer is directly addressing the listener, using similar phrasing from earlier in the song.

And don't remember the feeling of joy
The artist is once again highlighting the difficulties of mental and emotional distress.

You can lean on me, brother
The artist reiterates that they are willing to be a source of support.

I won't let you fall
The singer is again asserting their commitment to preventing harm.

Not while I'm a Philadelphia boy
The singer's loyalty to Philadelphia and the city's supportive culture is emphasized once again.

Oh Lord, not while I'm a Philadelphia boy
The artist continues to emphasize his identity as a Philadelphian and the importance of this cultural identity.