Five o'clock in the morning, waking up on a cold back street.
Lifts his head and he's yawning, shoe shine boy with no food to eat.
Walks on down to the railway station, maybe find some warmth in a room.
He ain't got no destination, you can hear him sigh in the gloom.
(CHORUS)
Shoe shine trying to make a dollar.
Shoe shine keep the wolf at bay.
Shoe shine trying to make a dollar.
Shoe shine shine your blues away.
In the heart of the city, you can't find no peace or joy.
A young boy's life is a pity, he ain't never had a brand new toy.
He puts his face against the window, of a rich store on fifth avenue.
His breath is steaming in the ice-cold wind.
His little fingers are turning blue.
(CHORUS)
Shoe shine trying to make a dollar.
Shoe shine keep the wolf at bay.
Shoe shine trying to make a dollar.
Shoe shine shine your blues away.
Shine'em up, shine'em up,when he's down in the station.
Cleaning shoes at 5 cents a time, he ain't never had a vacation.
And if he did you know it would blow his mind.
He's got a friend named Billy.
Spends his time stealing hub caps from cars.
And when the night gets too chilly.
They huddle together staring at the stars.
(CHORUS)
Shoe shine trying to make a dollar.
Shoe shine keep the wolf at bay.
Shoe shine trying to make a dollar.
Shoe shine shine your blues away.
Writer(s): Jim Capaldi
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