Las Vegas
Harris Emmylou 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 “Las Vegas” by Emmylou Harris is a classic country song about the city that promises many opportunities but often leads to ruin. The singer in the song is a poor boy who keeps returning to Las Vegas, seeking his fortune and feeling hopeful, but he always ends up losing everything, including his mind. The song depicts the highs and lows of gambling, the desperation of seeking quick riches, and the sorrows that come with addiction.


Harris’s vivid imagery in the lyrics depicts the glitz, glamour, and chaos of Las Vegas. The crystal city that the singer refers to represents the bright lights and colorful casinos that attract people from all walks of life. The Queen of Spades and Queen of Hearts represent the two sides of luck – sometimes it is your friend, sometimes it is not. However, the singer does not seem to be able to differentiate between the two as he is consumed by his addiction.


Harris’s voice delivers the emotions of desperation and loss that accompanies gambling and addiction. The song has a melancholic tone that brings out the feeling of hopelessness that often accompanies gambling addiction. In the end, the singer acknowledges that Las Vegas is not a place for a poor boy like him, yet he keeps coming back for the thrill and the hope of a better life.


Line by Line Meaning

Ooh, Las Vegas ain't no place for a poor boy like me
I am not suited for the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, as it always ends up badly for me.


Every time I hit your crystal city You know you gonna make a wreck out of me
Whenever I come to Las Vegas, I always end up in a bad situation where I am a complete mess.


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
When I start gambling, I turn to alcohol to get me through the losses, still convinced that I'll win big in the end.


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
I have befriended the card that seems to bring me good luck (Queen of Spades) but I'm not certain if it's a genuine friendship. I hope to quit my gambling addiction and become clearer in my judgment.


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
I am obsessed with gambling and spend my nights with the dealer, trying to win but in the day, the depressing reality of my losses sets in and I struggle to get up from bed.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GRAM PARSONS, RIK GRECH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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