The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Hometown lady, leavin' for the city
Bags in hand, she's boardin' the train
Her last look through the window, I saw her eyes were as red as mine
I waved goodbye but I can't believe she's leaving.
But a woman can't be high-class
In a lonely farmer's town
And the son of a poor man
Ain't gonna turn your head around
But if you ever get lonely
Just pick up the telephone
And the son of a poor man will bring you home.
Maybe soon I'll see her on some television show
Painted lips and fingers singing for the world
A fashion plate for sure dancin' for your plastic world
Call me up if you can but if not well I'll understand
But a woman can't be high-class
In a lonely farmer's town
And the son of a poor man
Ain't gonna turn your head around
But if you ever get lonely
Just pick up the telephone
And the son of a poor man will bring you home.
Bags in hand, she's boardin' the train
Her last look through the window, I saw her eyes were as red as mine
I waved goodbye but I can't believe she's leaving.
But a woman can't be high-class
In a lonely farmer's town
And the son of a poor man
Ain't gonna turn your head around
But if you ever get lonely
Just pick up the telephone
And the son of a poor man will bring you home.
Maybe soon I'll see her on some television show
Painted lips and fingers singing for the world
A fashion plate for sure dancin' for your plastic world
Call me up if you can but if not well I'll understand
But a woman can't be high-class
In a lonely farmer's town
And the son of a poor man
Ain't gonna turn your head around
But if you ever get lonely
Just pick up the telephone
And the son of a poor man will bring you home.
Lyrics submitted by spliphstar
Son of a Poor Man Lyrics as written by Gary Richrath
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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