I was bruised and battered
I couldn't tell what I felt
I was unrecognizable to myself
Saw my reflection in a window
And didn't know my own face
Oh brother are you gonna leave me wastin' away
On the streets of Philadelphia?

I walked the avenue, 'til my legs felt like stone
I heard the voices of friends vanished and gone
At night I could hear the blood in my veins
Just as black and whispering as the rain
On the streets of Philadelphia

Ain't no angel gonna greet me
It's just you and I my friend
And my clothes don't fit me no more, I walk
Thousand miles just to slip this skin

Night has fallen, I'm lyin' awake
I can feel myself fading away
So receive me brother with your faithless kiss
Or will we leave each other alone like this
On the streets of Philadelphia?


Lyrics submitted by oofus, edited by ice1092977

Streets Of Philadelphia Lyrics as written by Bruce Springsteen

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Streets of Philadelphia song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    On a deepr level, I think its about the anonymity of people in the city, losing their identity, "will you leave me brother alone like this.." It seems like hes talking about his death, alone, disrientated. Quite sad, but probably a prominant feeling for many people.

    productofthe80son August 07, 2006   Link

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