It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City
City Streets and Broken Halos: Unraveling the Urban Odyssey in Bruce Springsteen's Anthem
Lyrics
I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra
The speaker describes having tough, resilient skin and a fierce, intimidating gaze.
I was born blue and weathered but I burst just like a supernova
The speaker was born with a natural toughness but experienced a burst of energy and intensity like a supernova.
I could walk like Brando right into the sun, then dance just like a Casanova
The speaker can walk confidently and dance skillfully, drawing parallels to famous figures like Brando and Casanova.
With my blackjack and jacket and hair slicked sweet
The speaker describes his appearance with a blackjack, jacket, and slicked-back hair.
Silver star studs on my duds, just like a Harley in heat
Details about the speaker's attire, including silver star studs, reminiscent of a Harley motorcycle.
When I strut down the street, I could feel its heart beat
Walking down the street, the speaker feels the pulse of the city.
The sisters fell back and said, "Don't that man look pretty"
People notice the speaker's attractiveness, with sisters commenting on his appearance.
The cripple on the corner cried out, "Nickels for your pity"
A beggar on the corner requests money, highlighting the contrast between the speaker's appearance and the reality of poverty.
Then gasoline boys downtown sure talk gritty
The speaker observes tough talk from gasoline boys in downtown.
It's so hard to be a saint in the city
Expresses the difficulty of maintaining virtue and goodness in a challenging urban environment.
I was the king of the alley, Mama, I could talk some trash
The speaker claims dominance in the alley, adept at talking confidently.
I was the prince of the paupers, crowned downtown at the beggar's bash
The speaker was recognized as important among the poor, celebrated at a beggar's gathering.
I was the pimp's main prophet, I kept everything cool
The speaker served as a wise figure for pimps, maintaining a cool demeanor.
Just a backstreet gambler with the luck to lose
The speaker describes himself as a gambler in the backstreets, taking risks.
And when the heat came down it was left on the ground
When trouble comes, the speaker is left vulnerable on the ground.
The devil appeared like Jesus through the steam in the street
The devil is metaphorically described, appearing in the chaos of the street.
Showin' me a hand I knew even the cops couldn't beat
The devil reveals a hand that even the police cannot beat.
I felt his hot breath on my neck as I dove into the heat
The speaker feels the threatening presence of the devil as he faces a difficult situation.
It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy out on the street
Reiterates the challenge of maintaining saintliness in the face of street life hardships.
And the sages of the subway sit just like the living dead
Describes people in the subway as lifeless and detached.
As the tracks clack out the rhythm, their eyes fixed straight ahead
Subway riders maintain a delicate balance, holding on by a thread.
They ride the line of balance and hold on by just a thread
The challenges of the subway environment are highlighted, and the pressure can be overwhelming.
But it's too hot in these tunnels, you can get hit up by the heat
It's too hot in the tunnels, and the heat poses a threat to the riders.
You get up to get out at your next stop, but they push you back in your seat
Despite the desire to leave, external forces push the speaker back into his place.
Your heart starts beatin' faster as you struggle to your feet
The speaker experiences a rush of adrenaline as he struggles to stand up.
Then you're outa that hole and back up on the street
Escaping the difficult situation, the speaker is back on the street.
And then South Side sisters sure look pretty
South Side sisters are admired for their beauty.
The cripple on the corner cries out, "Nickels for your pity"
A beggar on the corner repeats the plea for pity, emphasizing the ongoing struggle.
And then downtown boys, they sure talk gritty
Downtown boys engage in tough talk, reflecting the harsh realities of urban life.
It's so hard to be a saint in the city
Reiterates the challenges of maintaining saintliness in the city.
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