Palookaville Songtext
von Peter Case

This place has changed since we were the kings
The shops torn down where we pawned our rings
8 by 10′s no one sees no more
Like Telly Savalas hangin' by the door, Palookaville

Well, you can′t tell your baby how a left jab feels
The first you take rocks you on your heels
Soon you're back in the car up for the long ride home
The canvas is splattered with your blood and bone, Palookaville

You coulda been somebody
Coulda been somebody to see
You coulda been somebody
Coulda been somebody like me

The crowd was dressed in leathers and lace
They scream for more, why you work this fast?
Then they tore up their programs and they jumped to their feet
Whatd'ya say, we go get somethin′ to eat? Over in Palookaville


Palookaville cast off by crooks
A punch drunk fighter with two left hooks
You only blame yourself for the way it went
You threw away your chances now you′re sweatin' the rent
All in Palookaville

You coulda been somebody
Coulda been somebody to see
You coulda been somebody
Coulda been somebody like me

Now you′re one of the crowd walkin' where they walk
There′s a new kid hoppin' and talkin′ the talk
But you know what's it's like fallin′ off′a the map
Your heaven sent treasure got sprung like a trap
Over Palookaville

Now there's a boy in the dark he′s got a ways to go
Underneath the covers with a radio
He's tunin′ in a fight from Bangor Maine
Once you catch the bug it's never the same, Palookaville

You coulda been somebody
Coulda been somebody to see
You coulda been somebody
Coulda been somebody like me