Sidewalks of Chicago
Harlan Dreams in the Windy City
Lyrics
The Levi's that I'm wearing have been good to me
The Levi's I'm wearing have served me well over time.
They just won't admit they're growing old
Despite their age, my jeans refuse to acknowledge their aging.
And though my shirt's made contract with a gutter now and then
My shirt has come into contact with a gutter occasionally, but it provides protection from the cold.
At least it keeps my body from the cold
Despite its flaws, the shirt serves a practical purpose in keeping me warm.
Thank God, the folks back home in Harlan County
Expressing gratitude that people in his hometown can't witness the changes success has brought to him.
Can't see what success has done for me
Reflecting on the impact of success and its unseen consequences.
Would you believe that kids in Harlan High School
Revealing an ironic twist, being voted most likely to succeed by high school peers.
Voted me most likely to succeed?
Contrasting the high expectations with the current reality.
Now I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
Presenting the setting as the sidewalks of Chicago.
If I buy the bread, I can't afford the wine
Financial struggles are preventing the narrator from affording both bread and wine.
Yes I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
Expressing a sense of regret and longing for a different era or circumstance.
Wishing I'd have lived some other time
Wishing for a different time in life.
I wasn't here too long before I met her
Recalling a brief encounter with a lady who left a lasting impression.
The lady really swept me off my feet
Describing the impact of the lady's presence.
She stayed just long enough for me to love her
She left after a short time, leaving the narrator with love and a sense of loss.
And now they're sweepin' me up off the street
Metaphorically, the narrator feels as if he's being swept up off the street, possibly emotionally.
My mama thinks I've really hit the big time
His mother believes he has achieved significant success.
She's written every day since I've been gone
Despite her belief, she is unaware of the narrator's current address at the East Side Mission Home.
She don't know that 109 East Charlotte
Revealing the actual address and highlighting the disparity between perception and reality.
Is the address of the East Side Mission Home
Addressing the struggles and challenges faced, contrasting with the mother's perception.
And I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
Reiterating the narrator's current situation on the sidewalks of Chicago.
If I buy the bread, I can't afford the wine
Emphasizing the financial constraints, unable to afford both bread and wine.
Yes I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
Repeating the sentiment of wishing for a different time or circumstance.
Wishing I'd have lived some other time
Expressing a continued longing for an alternate life.
Yes I'm walking on the sidewalks of Chicago
Reiterating the desire to have lived in a different time.
Wishing I'd have lived some other time
Echoing the recurring theme of longing for a different life.
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