Council estate blues

I was born in the city, down them concrete lanes,

Where the rain hits heavy, and the nights feel the same.

Didn’t have no silver, just a one-room flat,

But my mama always told me, “Boy, be proud of where you at.”

I got them council estate blues, no luck to lose,

Ain’t got much money, but I paid my dues.

Ain’t no high-rise dreams, just these worn-out shoes,

Just a hard-workin’ man with them council estate blues.

Daddy worked the factory, hands tough as steel,

Said, “Son, this world don’t care how you feel.”

Taught me how to fight, taught me how to stand,

Told me, “Boy, you make your way with your own two hands.”

I got them council estate blues, no luck to lose,

Ain’t got much money, but I paid my dues.

Ain’t no high-rise dreams, just these worn-out shoes,

Just a hard-workin’ man with them council estate blues.

[Bridge] (Slow piano breakdown, Otis Spann style)

I tried to break free, tried to chase that gold,

But the city don’t change, just gets mean and cold.

Now I’m back where I started, walkin’ these same old streets,

Still got the blues, but they sound real sweet.

So I sit by the tower blocks, guitar in my hand,

Singin’ ‘bout the struggle, ‘cause I understand.

Ain’t got no regrets, no need to disguise,

These council estate blues, they opened my eyes.

I got them council estate blues, no luck to lose,

Ain’t got much money, but I paid my dues.

Ain’t no high-rise dreams, just these worn-out shoes,

Just a hard-workin’ man with them council estate blues.