King of the Castle

Used to be the night watchman at a big studio
Pandemic hit, they let me go
Couldn't find work, Lord knows I tried
Before I knew it, I was living outside

My home is this castle
Welcome to the neighborhood
Castle made of cardboard
Down in Hollywood

Came out here from Texas back in '73
Had a cousin in Venice, let me stay for free
Then I got drafted, sent me over there
War was truly hell, more than I could bear

A lifetime ago, somehow I made it back
Though it never felt like home, something inside me cracked
Had a wife and two boys back in the days
But all my drinking drove 'em away

Now my home is this castle
Welcome to the neighborhood
Castle made of cardboard
Down in Hollywood

Still got my guitar, still got the blues
Got pictures in my wallet, hope I never lose
Tried to live in the shelters, too crowded for my taste
People steal your stuff, I needed more space

Underneath this freeway is where I now reside
King of the castle, I still got my pride
So when you write your story 'bout this neighborhood
Call me the king of the castle down in Hollywood