He's a poor boy in his pocket

he's a poor boy in his shoes.

he's done his time

he's stood in line

that boy has paid his dues.



He ain't looking for a handout

he's just looking for a start

he don't hate anyone

he don't carry a gun

you can tell that kid is smart.



So you can'

t keep that poor boy down

you can be unkind

you can rob him blind

but you can't keep that poor boy down.

you can lie and cheat

you can chain his feet

but you can't keep that poor boy down.



And all down throughout the ages

the kid's been treated rough

just take a look

in any history book

you can see that times were tough.



Now we move up to the nineties

up to the 21st

one day he'll stand

a full grown man

and be the same as all of us.



So you can't keep that poor boy down

you can lock him up

you can break his cup

but you can't keep that poor boy down.



You can fight and steal

you can drag your heels

but you can't keep that poor boy down

You can kick his ass

if the kid's got class

you can't keep that poor boy down.



Let's stop the truck

go back and pick him up

you can't keep that poor boy down.



Let him go!!