The Ballad of Davey Moore

Lyrics

[Intro] Here's "The Ballad of Davy Moore" Davy Moore was the featherweight champion of the world And was killed about two weeks ago He fought a guy named Sugar Ramos Who incidentally had left, uh, Cuba Because, uh, they'd outlawed boxing there [Verse 1] It was out to California young Davey Moore did go To meet with Sugar Ramos and trade him blow for blow 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 leavе this game Oh, is it worth the bloodshed and is it worth thе 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 dry our tears 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 beat, another purse to win And all along the ringside, a sight beyond compare The money-chasing vultures 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 dry our tears 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 every 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 dry our tears For the fighter must destroy as the poet must sing As the hungry crowd must gather for the blood upon the ring