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 it's 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