Poor Boy Blues
Tom Ovans Lyrics

Gypsy on the black horse
A mysterious and cool-looking figure rides on their horse, representing an unpredictable force in the world.

Looking mighty cool
The gypsy appears to have an air of confidence and superiority about them.

Five card stud boys
A group of men who engage in gambling and risk-taking behavior.

Breaking all the rules
These men are daring and rebellious, ignoring expectations and norms imposed on them by society.

Someone said you got to be kidding
An observer questions whether the situation is too outlandish to be real or valid.

This can't be real
The observer expresses disbelief and doubts that the situation is authentic.

You're part of the problem boy
The observer accuses the person in question of contributing to the issues and challenges facing society.

You ain't part of the deal
The person in question is excluded, shunned, or rejected from a group or agreement or contract.

I said Hey boss man
The person in question addresses a figure of authority.

I just do what I do
The artist is unapologetic about their behavior and choices, which may be frowned upon or criticized by others.

I'm just a poor boy
The singer acknowledges their lack of resources and privilege, which may limit their opportunities and status in society.

Singing the poor boy blues
The artist expresses their feelings of sadness, frustration, and dissatisfaction with their situation, using music as a medium.

I've learned how to juggle
The singer has acquired a skill that requires coordination and balance, possibly as a form of entertainment or survival.

I've learn to play guitar
The singer has developed a musical talent, which may serve as a means of artistic expression, income, or social interaction.

I've learned in the end
The singer has gained wisdom and insight through their experiences, which may have been challenging or difficult.

It don't matter who you are
The artist suggests that one's identity or background should not determine their worth, opportunities, or rights.

I've seen your holy rollers
The artist has observed religious figures who promote their beliefs in a forceful or hypocritical manner.

Come rolling through my town
These religious figures have entered the singer's local community, possibly to recruit more followers or impose their views on others.

Heard how their lies
The singer has been exposed to falsehoods or misrepresentations made by these religious figures.

Can cut a man down
These falsehoods can damage a person's reputation, self-esteem, or relationships.

Say what you want
The artist is undeterred by others' opinions or criticisms and remains confident in their self-expression.

I ain't got nothing to lose
The artist has little to lose and much to gain by being honest and authentic in their speech and actions.

Well I've been through your cities
The singer has traveled through places that are organized, developed, and controlled by those with power and influence.

Been down the roads you've paved
The artist has experienced the consequences of others' decisions and policies, which may have limited their opportunities or freedoms.

Been digging on your poverty
The singer has witnessed and struggled with the poverty, inequality, and oppression that exist in these places.

Working like your slave
The singer has been forced to work under harsh or unjust conditions, similar to those experienced by slaves in the past.

I've been crushed by your greed
The singer has suffered due to the selfishness, materialism, and exploitation of those in power.

Hounded by your laws
The artist has been oppressed or punished by the legal system, which may be biased or corrupt.

Seen you take my sisters
The artist has witnessed or experienced the objectification, abuse, or exploitation of women.

Turn them into your whores
Women are reduced to sexual objects or commodities that can be bought, sold, or used by men for pleasure or profit.

Now you have the nerve to tell me
The singer is angered or frustrated by the hypocrisy, entitlement, or double standards of those in power.

That I ain't nothing new
Those in power dismiss the artist's complaints, ideas, or contributions as irrelevant or insignificant.

Goodbye Gypsy Girl
The artist bids farewell to someone or something that is unpredictable, transient, or elusive.

Goodbye my friends
The artist says goodbye to those who have supported or accompanied them on their journey.

See you when I get there
The singer expresses their hope and expectation of a future reunion or afterlife.

Somewhere near the end
The artist acknowledges that their journey will come to an end, but the exact time and place are unknown.

I know I should of done better
The singer regrets their choices or actions and wishes they had made better decisions.

I know I should of tried
The singer acknowledges that they did not put forth their best effort and that they could have done more.

But I am who I am
The singer accepts and embraces their identity and personality, despite their flaws and limitations.

I don't apologize
The artist stands by their beliefs, choices, or actions and does not express regret or remorse for them.

I guess we're lucky mister
The artist expresses a degree of sarcasm or bitterness toward those in power, indicating that their luck or success is not deserved.

I ain't nothing like you
The singer emphasizes their differences from those in power, asserting their unique perspective, values, or identity.

Yeah I'm just a poor boy
The singer reaffirms their lack of privilege, resources, or status in society.

Singing the poor boy blues
The artist uses music to express their feelings of sadness, frustration, and dissatisfaction with their situation, and to resist the oppression or injustice they face.