Tom T. Hall：Meaning of Shoeshine Man Songmeaning

The song Shoeshine Man by Tom T. Hall is about a talented shoeshine man who not only shines shoes but also sings, dances and plays the harmonica. The narrator meets the shoeshine man in Montgomery, Alabama, and is impressed by his skills. The shoeshine man claims to be the best in the business and asks for tips for his services. The song also tells the story of how the shoeshine man learned his trade from his father, who used to shine alligators and once made a hundred dollar bill from it. The shoeshine man also had a girl who helped him with his business, but she was taken away by the law due to being underage. The song highlights the hard work and talent of the shoeshine man, who uses his skills to make a living. It also touches on the themes of poverty and the struggle to survive.