He sang Honky Tonk Woman and American Pie
Most big city people would rather pass him by
Hes been sleeping on sidewalks under a neon sky
Lonely heart of a rebel has made the boy streetwise

He's got to give blood just to get his meals out here
in Music City, U.S.A.
He's got hopes and dreams of swingin' a deal
All his friends they call him Billy Ray
Billy Ray, I can't turn away
'Cause you're a rock and roll cowboy with a burnin' desire to play
Billy Ray, the street is your stage
You keep on singin' your songs, somebody's gonna listen someday

He's just a good ole boy, so when he comes your way
Don't you turn around, he's got something to say
Everything he owns is in that beat up case
Ain't no gold record gonna take its place

He said the good Lord cares and watches over him
We are our brother's keeper, why can't we understand

You're a rock and roll cowboy with a burnin' desire to play
You keep on singin' your songs, somebody gonna listen someday
I said you're ar ock and roll cowboy with a burnin' desire to play