Ooh Las Vegas
Gram Parsons Lyrics


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Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me
Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me
Every time I hit your crystal city
You know you gonna make a wreck out of me

Well, the first time I lose I drink whiskey
Second time I lose I drink gin
Third time I lose I drink anything
'Cause I think I'm gonna win

Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me, no
Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me
Every time I hit your crystal city
You know you gonna make a wreck out of me

Well, the queen of spades is a friend of mine
The queen of hearts is a bitch
Someday when I clean up my mind
I'll find out which is which

Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me
Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me
Every time I hit your crystal city
You know you gonna make a wreck out of me

Well, I spend all night with the dealer
Trying to get ahead
Spend all day at the Holiday Inn
Trying to get out of bed

Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me
Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me




Every time I hit your crystal city
You know you gonna make a wreck out of me

Overall Meaning

The song "Ooh Las Vegas" by Gram Parsons is a poignant commentary on the seductive, yet ultimately destructive lure of gambling and the city of Las Vegas. The repeated refrain that "Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me" speaks to the idea that the glittering lights and glamorous lifestyle of the city may be tantalizing, but are ultimately unattainable for someone with limited means.


The lyrics speak of the singer's repeated losses at the gambling tables, and his increasing desperation as he turns to harder and harder substances to cope with his failures. The lyric "Well, the first time I lose I drink whiskey / Second time I lose I drink gin / Third time I lose I drink anything / 'Cause I think I'm gonna win" is particularly powerful, as it reveals the singer's flawed thinking that his luck will somehow turn around.


The mention of the "queen of spades" and "queen of hearts" adds a layer of ambiguity to the song, suggesting that the singer's struggles with gambling may also be tied to his relationships with women. Overall, "Ooh Las Vegas" is a powerful meditation on the ways in which we can become trapped by our own vices and desires, and the toll they can take on our lives.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me
I am not wealthy, and this city is not for people like me.


Every time I hit your crystal city
Whenever I come to Vegas.


You know you gonna make a wreck out of me
I know that I will self-destruct while here.


Well, the first time I lose I drink whiskey
When I lose for the first time, I try to hide my sadness with whiskey.


Second time I lose I drink gin
When I lose again, I switch to gin.


Third time I lose I drink anything
By the third time, I don't care anymore and will drink whatever is available.


'Cause I think I'm gonna win
I always have hope that I'll win eventually, so I keep playing and drinking.


Well, the queen of spades is a friend of mine
I have a good relationship with the queen of spades card.


The queen of hearts is a bitch
In contrast, I do not like the queen of hearts card.


Someday when I clean up my mind
When I stop drinking and gambling so much and get my life in order.


I'll find out which is which
I'll be able to tell the difference between the two cards.


Well, I spend all night with the dealer
I am up very late playing cards with the dealer.


Trying to get ahead
I'm trying to win money and do better financially.


Spend all day at the Holiday Inn
I am so worn out from all the gambling and drinking that I need the entire next day to recover.


Trying to get out of bed
I don't feel well and need to rest after a night in Vegas.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RIK GRECH, GRAM PARSONS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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