It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City Lyrics - Singles - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

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, just like a Harley in heat 

When I strut down the street, I could feel its heart beat 

The sisters fell back and said, "Don't that man look pretty" 

The cripple on the corner cried out, "Nickels for your pity" 

Then 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 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 then South Side sisters sure look pretty 

The cripple on the corner cries out, "Nickels for your pity" 

And then downtown boys, they sure talk gritty 

It's so hard to be a saint in the city