Lyrics
He was once a younger man, just like you and I
He, the protagonist, was once a younger man, similar to the listener.
But times have changed for this old man, the story makes you cry
The circumstances in the life of the old man have changed, and his story evokes sadness.
Now the nights are getting colder, can you lift a hand
The nights are becoming colder, signaling hardship; the plea for assistance is implied.
Soon to die, I'm growing older, help me if you can
The speaker is aging and needs help; a call for assistance is made.
Just a Penny for a Poor Man
Expressing a desire for a small donation, just a penny, for the poor man.
A poor man, yes I am . . .
Reiterating the speaker's impoverished state.
Just a Penny for a Poor Man
Continuing the plea for a small contribution to support the poor man.
An honest man with a heart of gold, stricken by his luck
Describing the poor man as honest with a good heart, yet unfortunate in luck.
All alone, not a single friend, and no one to love
Emphasizing the loneliness of the poor man, lacking friends and love.
If you had no food or shelter, just a place to stand
Presenting a hypothetical situation where basic needs like food and shelter are lacking.
Would you ask for some assistance, would you need a hand?
Asking if the listener would seek assistance or offer a helping hand in such a situation.
Just a Penny for a Poor Man
Repeated plea for a small donation, a penny, to support the poor man.
A poor man, yes I am . . .
Reiterating the impoverished state of the speaker.
Just a Penny for a Poor Man
Continuing the request for a small contribution for the poor man.
Will he live until tomorrow, or will he die today?
Pondering the uncertainty of the poor man's survival, expressing grief and sorrow.
Can you feel the grief and sorrow that this song portrays?
Asking the listener to empathize with the emotions conveyed in the song.
Now you say you are a rich man, well show us what you have!
Challenging those claiming to be rich to demonstrate their generosity by helping the poor.
If your heart holds any riches, lend a helping hand . . .
Encouraging those with a rich heart to provide assistance and support.
Just a Penny for a Poor Man
Repeating the plea for a small donation, a penny, for the poor man.
A poor man, yes I am . . .
Reiterating the impoverished state of the speaker.
Just a Penny for a Poor Man
Continuing the request for a small contribution for the poor man.
Just a Penny for a Poor Man
Repeating the plea for a small donation, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
A poor man, yes I am . . .
Once again, stating the impoverished state of the speaker and the need for assistance.
Just a Penny for a Poor Man
Continuing the plea for a small contribution for the poor man.
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