He sang Honky Tonk Woman and American Pie 

Most big city people would rather pass him by 

Hes been sleeping on sidewalks under a neon sky 

Lonely heart of a rebel has made the boy streetwise 



He's got to give blood just to get his meals out here in Music City, U.S.A. 

He's got hopes and dreams of swingin' a deal 

All his friends they call him Billy Ray 

Billy Ray, I can't turn away 

'Cause you're a rock and roll cowboy with a burnin' desire to play 

Billy Ray, the street is your stage 

You keep on singin' your songs, somebody's gonna listen someday 



He's just a good ole boy, so when he comes your way 

Don't you turn around, he's got something to say 

Everything he owns is in that beat up case 

Ain't no gold record gonna take its place 



He said the good Lord cares and watches over him 

We are our brother's keeper, why can't we understand 



You're a rock and roll cowboy with a burnin' desire to play 

You keep on singin' your songs, somebody gonna listen someday 

I said you're ar ock and roll cowboy with a burnin' desire to play