Hey, hey, mama, life is a lonely time For a man who drinks his whiskey by the jar Now, I do believe the life I lead won't get me very far I was once told the streets were paved in gold Now I know them for what they are Hey, hey, mama, life has a sweeter sound For a man who lives his life for his dream Yet he must be aware there are those who care And those who would bring him down Separate trust from your cut and thrust The truth can still be found For the crossroads of your life will lead you almost anywhere You'll see tomorrow Your castles in the air, they were never really there Take the pride from a man, you're left without a meaning Take the wings from a bird, how can it fly? Give him hope, give him trust and a little understanding Give him back his pride, you'll be satisfied Hey, hey, mama, life is a lonely time For a man who drinks his whiskey by the jar Now, I do believe the life I lead, it won't get me very far I was once told the streets, they were paved in gold Now I know them for what they are