Shoeshine Boy
Eddie Kendricks Lyrics


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Umm
Shoeshine boy
How you do your work so well?

Shoeshine boy
Tryin' to make a livin, you go somewhere

Shoeshine boy
Where are you gonna be ten years from now?
(Just move, just keep workin')

(Shoeshine boy) I wanna know
Are you gonna be the richest man around?
You've been workin' so hard
So many things in life to learn

Shoeshine boy
What will you discover?
(Sha-la-la, what you?)

Though it's a long way up, you'll reach the top
Now when you'll finally get back
(Don't forget) forget (where) you came

Shoeshine boy,
Workin' so hard in the noon day sun
(Just, just keep workin')

(Shoeshine boy) look at you now, gettin' it together
Teasing the guys and havin' lots of fun

Shoeshine boy
Yeah, don't you know that you're a star?
(Yeah, you're a star)
(Shoeshine boy) just the way, just the way that you are

You've been workin' so hard
So many things in life to learn (so much to learn)
Shoeshine boy
What will you discover?
Yeah
(Sha-la-la, what you?)

Shoeshine boy
Shoeshine boy
(Sha-la-la, what you?)
You've been workin' so hard

Shoeshine boy
(Sha-la-la, what you?)
Don't you know that you're a star?




Hmm-ah, that's the way that you are
Hey (sha-la-la, what you?)

Overall Meaning

The song "Shoeshine Boy" by Eddie Kendricks is an uplifting tune about a young, hardworking man shining shoes to make a living. The lyrics express interest in the future of the shoeshine boy, wondering where he will be ten years from now and whether he will become the richest man around. Through the chorus of โ€œjust keep workinโ€™, Shoeshine Boy,โ€ the song encourages the young man to continue with his hard work, promising that although it may be a long way up, he will eventually reach the top, and when he does, he should not forget where he came from.


The song contains a message about the value of hard work and determination, highlighting the importance of perseverance and never giving up. The lyrics suggest that the shoeshine boy is a star, and that his dedication and work ethic will bring him success and prosperity in the future. The song is an uplifting reminder to keep striving towards our goals, despite any obstacles we may face, and to always keep our feet on the ground and remember where we came from.


Line by Line Meaning

Shoeshine boy how you do your work so well
I admire your work and I'm curious about how you're so good at shining shoes


Shoeshine boy tryin' to make a livin', you go somewhere
You're hustling to make a living, and someday you'll make it big if you keep going


Shoeshine boy where are you gonna be ten years from now
I wonder where life will take you in the next ten years


Just move, just keep workin' shoeshine boy
Never give up, just keep working hard


I wanna know are you gonna be the richest man around
I'm curious if you'll become incredibly successful and wealthy someday


You've been a workin' so hard
You've been putting in so much effort and dedication


So many things in life to learn
There's so much knowledge and wisdom to gain from life's experiences


Shoeshine boy, what will you discover
I'm interested in what you will learn and discover on your journey


Though it's a long way up, you'll reach the top
Even though it may take a while, you will eventually reach your goals and achieve success


Now when you'll finally get back
When you make it big and become successful


Don't forget from where you came shoeshine boy
Remember your humble beginnings and stay grounded


Workin' so hard in the noon day sun
You work tirelessly and diligently even in harsh conditions


Look at ya now, gettin' it together
You're now thriving and succeeding in life


Teasing the guys and havin' lots of fun
You're enjoying life and having a good time with your friends


Shoeshine boy, yeah, don't you know that you're a star
You're incredibly talented and special, and you deserve recognition


Yeah, you're a star shoeshine boy
You're a true shining star, and you should be proud of yourself


Just the way, just the way that you are
You don't need to change anything about yourself, you're perfect just the way you are


Shoeshine boy
A term of endearment for someone who works hard to make a living


You've been a workin' so hard
You're a dedicated and hardworking individual


Don't you know that you're a star
You're incredibly talented and special, and you should believe in yourself


That's the way that you are
Your unique qualities and hard work make you who you are, and you should be proud




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Linda Allen, Harry Booker

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Gemini Man

In 1974s this was a #1 song on the r&b charts for a long time, well deserved.๐Ÿ˜Ž

โ™‘๏ธLady Capricorniaโ™‘๏ธ

My mom played this all the time when I was a kid. So many memories โค๏ธ

โ™‘๏ธLady Capricorniaโ™‘๏ธ

Richard Wricht ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

helen shepherd

Always will love Eddie Kendrick. He was my man with the voice. Not many could sing like him!

elisa george

NONE could sing like Eddie. When you hear a voice sounding like Eddie it's Eddie.

John Barron

@elisa george Great comment Elisa.

Gary Mayfield

@elisa george Beautifully said,I can tell the difference in his voice from Damon Harris voice by a mile

G. M.

I just taught my grandson how to put glass shine on a pair of Allen Edmonds, and as he was learning, I played โ€œShoeshine Boyโ€ as inspiration for him.

This song teaches the value of honest work and pride in customer satisfaction. He now wants to start โ€œKhoriโ€™s Shine Emporium ( heโ€™s 6 yrs old).โ€
Teach our children the value of honest work, one pair of shoes at a time. It worked for me; the Allen Edmonds belong to me.

voicegirl555

I really like this song. I like what it says. A lot of young men should be listening to words of this song. Eddie Kendricks gone 29 years today has never gone out of fashion. A terrific singer! The best tenor ever! Thank You Eddie for all the songs you left behind. Expecially this one!

Madgesty E

Saw Eddie perform this liveย at Madison's Square Garden back ย in 1976 and he was phenomenal.ย  His vocals cannot be duplicated.ย  Heย was the best.

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