[00:22.44]I had skin like leather and the diamond-hard look of a cobra [00:29.04] I was born blue and weathered but I burst just like a supernova [00:35.58] I could walk like Brando right into the sun [00:39.09] Then dance just like a Casanova [00:43.68] With my blackjack and jacket and hair slicked sweet [00:47.37] Silver star studs on my duds like a Harley in heat [00:50.76] When I strut down the street I could hear its heartbeat [00:54.18] The sisters fell back and said "Don't that man look pretty" [00:57.51] The cripple on the corner cried out "Nickels for your pity" [01:00.84] Them gasoline boys downtown sure talk gritty [01:04.20] It's so hard to be a saint in the city [01:11.94] I was the king of the alley, mama, I could talk some trash [01:18.48] I was the prince of the paupers crowned downtown at the beggar's bash [01:24.96] I was the pimp's main prophet I kept everything cool [01:28.08] Just a backstreet gambler with the luck to lose [01:33.12] And when the heat came down it was left on the ground [01:36.45] The devil appeared like Jesus through the steam in the street [01:38.79] Showin' me a hand I knew even the cops couldn't beat [01:42.87] I felt his hot breath on my neck as I dove into the heat [01:46.26] It's so hard to be a saint when you're just a boy out on the street [01:54.12] And the sages of the subway sit just like the living dead [01:57.39] As the tracks clack out the rhythm their eyes fixed straight ahead [02:00.69] They ride the line of balance and hold on by just a thread [02:03.90] But it's too hot in these tunnels you can get hit up by the heat [02:07.44] You get up to get out at your next stop but they push you back down in your seat [02:10.98] Your heart starts beatin' faster as you struggle to your feet [02:14.67] Then you're outa that hole and back up on the street [02:17.19] And them South Side sisters sure look pretty [02:21.03] The cripple on the corner cries out "Nickels for your pity" [02:25.26] And them downtown boys sure talk gritty [02:27.30] It's so har