[00:22.333]I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra
[00:29.447]I was born blue and weathered but I burst just like a supernova
[00:36.487]I could walk like Brando right into the sun
[00:40.446]Then dance just like a Casanova
[00:45.423]With my blackjack and jacket and hair slicked sweet
[00:49.119]Silver star studs on my duds like a Harley in heat
[00:52.550]When I strut down the street I could hear its heartbeat
[00:56.941]The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty"
[01:00.228]The cripple on the corner cried out "Nickels for your pity"
[01:03.301]Them gasoline boys downtown sure talk gritty
[01:06.420]It's so hard to be a saint in the city
[01:10.696]
[01:14.707]I was the king of the alley, mama, I could talk some trash
[01:21.916]I was the prince of the paupers crowned downtown at the beggar's bash
[01:28.884]I was the pimp's main prophet I kept everything cool
[01:32.597]Just a backstreet gambler with the luck to lose
[01:37.781]And when the heat came down it was left on the ground
[01:42.349]The devil appeared like Jesus through the steam in the street
[01:45.484]Showin' me a hand I knew even the cops couldn't beat
[01:48.605]I felt his hot breath on my neck as I dove into the heat
[01:51.941]It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy out on the street
[01:57.452]
[02:00.522]And the sages of the subway sit just like the living dead
[02:04.204]As the tracks clack out the rhythm their eyes fixed straight ahead
[02:07.900]They ride the line of balance and hold on by just a thread
[02:11.225]But it's too hot in these tunnels you can get hit up by the heat
[02:14.890]You get up to get out at your next stop but they push you back down in your seat
[02:18.732]Your heart starts beatin' faster as you struggle to your feet
[02:21.767]Then you're outa that hole and back up on the street
[02:25.542]And them South Side sisters sure look pretty
[02:29.199]The cripple on the corner cries out "Nickels for your pity"
[02:32.695]And them downtown boys sure talk gritty
[02:36.031]It's so hard to be a saint in the city
[02:39.447]