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 duesHe 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 smartSo 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 downAnd 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 toughNow 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 usSo 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 downYou 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 downLet's stop the truck
Go back and pick him up
You can't keep that poor boy down
Let him go