The Puhdys are a veteran German rock band, formed in Oranienburg, in what w… Read Full Bio ↴The Puhdys are a veteran German rock band, formed in Oranienburg, in what was then East Germany, in 1969, although they had been performing together, with various lineups, as the Puhdys since 1969. They continue to record and tour. Although they are especially popular in their native eastern Germany, the Puhdys enjoyed significant success outside the GDR, and were one of the first East German bands allowed to tour West Germany. With more than 18 million albums sold, they are probably the most successful German-language rock group.

Poor Boy
Puhdys Lyrics

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When I was born, you know
I couldn't speak and go
My mother worked each day
And she taught me to say

Mother and father and son
Sister and uncle have fun
And they taught me to say

Life is so hard each day

Poor Boy you must know oh oh
Poor boy the life is a hard road

Poor boy, poor boy you must say ay, ay
Life is very hard to stay ay ay

Overall Meaning

The song "Poor Boy" by Puhdys is a touching and reflective piece, exploring themes of hardship, struggle, and the importance of familial love and support. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of vulnerability and dependence, as the singer reflects on their own early struggles with learning to speak and walk. The mention of their hard-working mother serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that many families face in order to make ends meet.

The chorus of the song contains the titular phrase, “Poor Boy,” which serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many working-class individuals, especially those who lack the privilege and advantages of wealth and status. Despite these difficulties, however, the song emphasizes the importance of family and community, as the singer sings about the joy and comfort of spending time with loved ones, and the lessons they have imparted about the ups and downs of life.

Line by Line Meaning

When I was born, you know
From the moment of my birth

I couldn't speak and go
I was unable to talk or move

My mother worked each day
My mother labored daily

And she taught me to say
And she educated me to voice

Mother and father and son
Maternal and paternal figures

Sister and uncle have fun
And relatives who enjoy

And they taught me to say
Instructed me to express

Life is so hard each day
That life is difficult every day

Poor Boy you must know oh oh
Oh, you must understand, Poor Boy

Poor boy the life is a hard road
That life is a tough journey for a Poor Boy

Poor boy, poor boy you must say ay, ay
Poor boy, Poor boy, you must declare ay, ay