It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City
David Bowie
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra I was born blue and weathered but I burst just like a supernova I could walk like Brando right into the sun Then dance just like a Casanova With my blackjack and jacket and hair slicked sweet Silver star studs on my duds like a Harley in heat When I strut down the street I could hear its heartbeat The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty" The cripple on the corner cried out "Nickels for your pity" Them gasoline boys downtown sure talk gritty It's so hard to be a saint in the city I was the king of the alley, mama, I could talk some trash I was the prince of the paupers crowned downtown at the beggar's bash I was the pimp's main prophet I kept everything cool Just a backstreet gambler with the luck to lose And when the heat came down it was left on the ground The devil appeared like Jesus through the steam in the street Showin' me a hand I knew even the cops couldn't beat I felt his hot breath on my neck as I dove into the heat It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy out on the street And the sages of the subway sit just like the living dead As the tracks clack out the rhythm their eyes fixed straight ahead They ride the line of balance and hold on by just a thread But it's too hot in these tunnels you can get hit up by the heat You get up to get out at your next stop but they push you back down in your seat Your heart starts beatin' faster as you struggle to your feet Then you're outta that hole and back up on the street And them South Side sisters sure look pretty The cripple on the corner cries out "Nickels for your pity" And them downtown boys sure talk gritty It's so hard to be a saint in the city
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
8 facts about this song
Origin"It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City" was originally written by Bruce Springsteen. This energetic track appears on his debut album "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." released in 1973.
|
CompositionSpringsteen was known for his poetic lyrics and was heavily influenced by Bob Dylan. "It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City" is reflective of this, with detailed, poetic storytelling that shares aspects of Springsteen's early life in New Jersey.
|
David Bowie's CoverDavid Bowie was a huge fan of Springsteen before he came into mainstream popularity. Bowie covered the song "It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City" in 1975, two years after the original’s release.
|
Unreleased TrackAlthough Bowie’s version of the song was recorded during the sessions for his 1975 album "Young Americans," it wasn’t initially included in the album. It remained unreleased until it appeared on the "Sound + Vision" box set in 1989.
|
Springsteen-Bowie ConnectionDespite recording covers of Springsteen’s songs, Bowie and Springsteen are believed to have met only once. The meeting took place in Philadelphia in 1974, during the recording of Bowie's cover.
|
GenreBoth Springsteen's and Bowie's versions of the song are rock, but they have different styles. Springsteen’s version has a more folk-rock vibe, while Bowie’s leans more toward blue-eyed soul.
|
Live PerformancesSpringsteen has frequently played "It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City" live in concert, often telling a story about meeting Clive Davis before leading into the song.
|
Springsteen’s Reaction to Bowie's CoverDespite being honored that Bowie covered not one, but two of his songs (the other being "Growin’ Up"), Springsteen expressed his mixed feelings about Bowie's interpretations, stating that they "didn’t sound like they should" during a 1987 interview with Rolling Stone.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1638234/David+Bowie/It%27s+Hard+to+Be+a+Saint+in+the+City>.
Discuss the It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In