"HERE ON THE STREET"

Words, Music and Performance by Jay Pearson

 

Walkin' the streets with nowhere to go,
Nothin' in my pockets, but feelin' low,
Climbin' the dumpsters for somethin' to eat,
Strugglin' to survive –
That’s life on the street.

I’m a panhandler that's got no pan,
I’m a human being doin' what I can,
Work's for those whose clothes are neat,
Life ain’t easy –
When you’re here on the street.

So I found me a sign, says I’ll work for food,
It seems like people love bein' rude,
Holdin' on to a few good thoughts,
Love your neighbor is what I was taught,
Even here on the street.

I had me a job, wife and daughter too,
The company folded. What could I do?
The bank took back everything I had,
Wife and daughter went back to her dad,
I’m here on the street.

Under the stars, in the mist of night
Fearin' everything passin' left and right,
If I see the dawn to dry my skin,
Guess I can call it another win,
Out here on the street.

So I found me a sign, says I’ll work for food,
It seems like people love being rude,
Holdin' on to a few good thoughts,
Love your neighbor is what I was taught,
Even here on the street.

A passing lady tossed a dollar in her haste,
A carload of youngsters threw their drinks in my face,

But I held up my sign, said I’ll work for food,
It seems like people love bein' rude,
Holdin' on to a few good thoughts,
Love your neighbor is what I was taught,
Even here on the street.

I'm here on the street.
Watch for me.
I’m here on the street.

 

 

©2019 Jay Pearson

 

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Presented August 11, 2019 in French Settlement, Louisiana