Poor Boy Blues
Poison (US) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Son, don't you come to me cryin'
Cause money don't make you a happy man"
He said the grass is always greener
Any place except where you stand
He said some are born to win
And some born to lose
Watch out
I've lived uptown, downtown
Lord I've lived everywhere
Almost drowned in the puddle of my own sweat I swear
I believe it's due time I get my mansion in ole Bel Air
[Chorus]
But I'm still singin' those poor boy blues
Poor boy blues
You don't know how I'm feeling baby
Until you're wearing my shoes
Sure as I'm standing here
I got them poor boy blues
Friday night I get tanked up
And tossed in the local slam
At least I get three square meals
Until someone gets me out of this jam
In the meanwhile all my green
Is going to Uncle Sam
[Chorus]
Walk this dog
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Poison's "Poor Boy Blues" speak to the issues of class, social status, and personal ambition. The singer of the song talks about his desire to rise above his current situation, but acknowledges the lessons he's learned from his father about the futility of chasing after material wealth. He understands that some people are born into privilege, while others are not, and he finds himself in the latter category. He's worked hard and lived all over town, but he still feels trapped by his financial circumstances. He dreams of a mansion in Bel Air and envies those with money, but ultimately recognizes that money can't buy happiness.
The song serves as a commentary on the American Dream and the myth of upward mobility. It exposes the reality that not everyone has equal access to opportunity, and that hard work and determination aren't always enough to overcome systemic barriers. The singer's struggles are relatable and speak to the aspirations and frustrations of many people who feel trapped by their circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
My daddy said
"Son, don't you come to me cryin'
Cause money don't make you a happy man"
The singer's father advised him that happiness cannot be bought with money.
He said the grass is always greener
Any place except where you stand
The singer's father suggested that people often assume that other places are better than where they are presently located.
He said some are born to win
And some born to lose
And sing them poor boy blues
The singer's father asserted that life is not fair, and some people are destined for success while others will struggle and feel unhappy.
Almost drowned in the puddle of my own sweat I swear
I believe it's due time I get my mansion in ole Bel Air
The artist has worked hard and endured difficult circumstances, and believes that they deserve a comfortable lifestyle.
But I'm still singin' those poor boy blues
Poor boy blues
You don't know how I'm feeling baby
Until you're wearing my shoes
Sure as I'm standing here
I got them poor boy blues
Despite his efforts to improve his situation, the artist remains unhappy and struggling, and feels that others cannot understand his situation unless they have experienced it themselves.
Friday night I get tanked up
And tossed in the local slam
At least I get three square meals
Until someone gets me out of this jam
In the meanwhile all my green
Is going to Uncle Sam
The singer is frequently getting into trouble and ending up in jail, and the government is taking a portion of his income in taxes.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOBBY DALL, BRET MICHAELS, BRUCE ANTHONY JOHANNESSON, RIKKI ROCKET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind