[Verse 1]
It was out to California young Davey Moore was bound
To meet with Sugar Ramos for the holding of the crown
He left his home in Springfield, his wife and children five
The spring was fast approaching, it was good to be alive
His wife, she begged and pleaded, "You have to leave this game
Oh, is it worth the bloodshed and is it worth the pain?"
But Davey could not hear above the cheering of the crowd
He was a champion, and champions are proud
[Chorus]
Hang his gloves upon the wall, shine his trophies bright and clear
Another man will fall before we pass the year
For the fighter must destroy as the poet must sing
As the hungry crowd must gather for the blood upon the ring
[Verse 2]
And thousands gave a roar when Davey Moore walked in
Another man to fight, another purse to win
And all along the ringside, a sight beyond compare
The men who owned young Davey Moore were waiting for their share
He stood there in his corner and he waited for the bell
The signal of the struggle of two men facin' hell
And when the bell was sounded, the blows began to rain
And blows will lead to hate, and hate drives men insane
[Chorus]
Hang his gloves upon the wall, shine his trophies bright and clear
Another man will fall before we pass the year
For the fighter must destroy as the poet must sing
As the hungry crowd must gather for the blood upon the ring
[Verse 3]
The fists were flying fast and hard, the sweat was pouring down
And Davey Moore grew weaker with ev'ry passin' round
His legs began to wobble and his arms began to strain
He fell upon the canvas floor, a fog around his brain
At last the fight was over, young Davey fought no more
He lost the final battle behind a doctor's door
And back at the arena, the screaming crowd is gone
And death is waiting ringside, for the next fight to come on
[Chorus]
Hang his gloves upon the wall, shine his trophies bright and clear
Another man will fall before we pass the year
For the fighter must destroy as the poet must sing
As the hungry crowd must gather for the blood upon the ring
Other Phil Ochs songs:
all Phil Ochs songs all songs from 2000