The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #79775   Message #1449734
Posted By: Margaret V
01-Apr-05 - 11:08 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Songs about boxing or prizefighting
Subject: Lyr Add: DREAM STREET (John Gorka)
On his album "Land of the Bottom Line," John Gorka has a song called "Dream Street" about boxers and the long-term effects of a career in boxing.

DREAM STREET
Words and music by John Gorka
1990

I saw the Champ running down by the river
With his trainer and his stretch limousine
I don't recall the year but it was late in his career
When he was featured in those glove magazines

They never leave the ring before it's too late
They never seem to quit in their prime
I guess you take it as a given that a champion is driven
So he can always win one more time

Chorus:
So there's a new reservation on Dream Street
With a room with no view of before
It takes years for some to check in
But Dream Street will beckon
Till they're mumbling their names at the door

Some do it out of pride, some do it for the dough
Some do cause it's the only thing they're ever gonna know
"Promoters take the money, the fighters take the pain"*
They find a new sucker and they do it again

From the time before he won the title
Till the referee stopped his last fight
Oh I swear there was greatness there
Till those younger guys put out the light

So now he's in his ever after
With money to last all of his days
Oh but the price makes you shiver, fate's an Indian giver
She giveth and she taketh away

(Chorus)

Dream Street is calling, Larry
Dream Street is calling, Joe
Dream Street is calling, Muhammed
Dream Street is calling, Yo
Dream Street is calling...

*quote from Larry Holmes