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 feel 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 outa 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 they sure talk gritty it s so hard to be a saint in the city1