He's a poor boy in his pocket
  he's a poor boy in his shoes.
  he's done his time
  he's stood in line
  that boy has paid his dues.
  
  He ain't looking for a handout
  he's just looking for a start
  he don't hate anyone
  he don't carry a gun
  you can tell that kid is smart.
  
  So you can'
  t keep that poor boy down
  you can be unkind
  you can rob him blind
  but you can't keep that poor boy down.
  you can lie and cheat
  you can chain his feet
  but you can't keep that poor boy down.
  
  And all down through the ages
  the kid's been treated rough
  just take a look
  in any history book
  you can see that times were tough.
  
  Now we move up to the nineties
  up to the 21st
  one day he'll stand
  a full grown man
  and be the same as all of us.
  
  So you can't keep that poor boy down
  you can lock him up
  you can break his cup
  but you can't keep that poor boy down.
  
  You can fight and steal
  you can drag your heels
  but you can't keep that poor boy down
  You can kick his ass
  if the kid's got class
  you can't keep that poor boy down.
  
  Let's stop the truck
  go back and pick him up
  you can't keep that poor boy down.
  
  Let him go!!