Poor Side Of Town (Live) Lyrics
Johnny Rivers
Lyrics
Do-doo-doo-wah shoo-be-doo-be
Do-doo-doo-wah shoo-be-doo-be
How can you tell me how much you miss me
When the last time I saw you, you wouldn't even kiss me
That rich guy you've been seein'
Must have put you down
So welcome back baby
To the poor side of town
To him you were nothin' but a little plaything
Not much more than an overnight fling
To me you were the greatest thing this boy had ever found
And girl it's hard to find nice things
On the poor side of town
I can't blame you for tryin'
I'm tryin' to make it too
I've got one little hang up baby
I just can't make it without you
So tell me, are you gonna stay now
Will you stand by me girl all the way now
With you by my side
They can't keep us down
Together we can make it baby
From the poor side of town
(So tell me how much you love me)
(Come be near to me and say you need me now)
Oh, with you by my side
This world can't keep us down
Together we can make it baby
From the poor side of town
Do-doo-doo-wah shoo-be-doo-be
Do-doo-doo-wah shoo-be-doo-be
Do-doo-doo-wah shoo-be-doo-be
Song & Lyrics Facts
"Poor Side of Town" is a song by Johnny Rivers, released as a single in 1966. It was the title track from his third album Poor Side of Town and was written by Lou Adler and John Phillips.
The song became one of Rivers' biggest hits, reaching number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. The song has been described as a soulful blues-rock ballad, featuring lyrics about living in poverty and longing for a better life. Rivers' band at the time included Joe Osborn on bass, Larry Knechtel on keyboards, Hal Blaine on drums, and Ray Pohlman on guitar. A live version of "Poor Side of Town" was recorded for Rivers' 1970 album Live at the Whisky à Go Go and featured additional backing vocals from Merry Clayton. Lyrics to this classic song speak of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.