The Hustler
Marc Almond · Other Songs - Marc Almond
In the cold
Stands the Hustler
His eyes are old
He has seen a million ugly scenes
Places where men droop with mould
The backrooms
Where soiled goods are sold
Seen with opened eyes since frail fifteen
He has found it hard at first
But on his brow there sits a curse
For when the young must suffer
At the hands of men
Memories of Christmas past
Were never there to ever last
Things as were can never
Be again
Over there
By the wall
Stands the Hustler
He's not very tall
He's trampled by the jaded by the sly
He's seen the darker side of men
First fascinated and then
He found his urge to laugh
An urge to cry
He'll find close friends
No friend at all
He feels so lonely, tired and small
How few are chosen from
The golden call
There's something in us all it seems
To crave adventure
Hunt for dreams
But corruption the seducer spoils our schemes
And surely as the snow will melt
The Hustler
Grabs his soul and heads for home
With lessons learnt under his belt
Over there
By the wall
Stands the Hustler
With the men of law
On either side to flank the sallow youth
But some of us will never learn
It takes the blow of fists to burn
How painfully we suffer for the truth
The Hustler
Marc Almond's 'The Hustler' stands as a compelling song in his extensive solo discography, showcasing the theatrical flair and emotional depth that have defined his career since the 1980s. Following his departure from Soft Cell, Almond cultivated a diverse musical identity, often exploring themes of longing, urban life, and romantic complexity. This recording reflects his ability to blend pop sensibilities with a darker, more introspective edge. While Almond is frequently celebrated for his collaborations and genre-bending experiments, tracks like 'The Hustler' highlight his consistent songwriting prowess and distinctive vocal delivery. The song contributes to a broader body of work that continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate his unique fusion of new wave energy and sophisticated melodic structures.