How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live Songtext
von Blind Alfred Reed

There was once a time when everything was cheap
But now prices almost puts a man to sleep
When we pay our grocery bill
We just feel like makin′ our will
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?

I remember when dry goods were cheap as dirt
We could take two bits and buy a dandy shirt
Now we pay three bucks or more
Maybe get a shirt that another man wore
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Well, I used to trade with a man by the name of Gray
Flour was fifty cents for a twenty-four pound bag
Now it's a dollar and a half beside
Just like skinnin′ a flea for the hide
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?


Oh, the schools we have today ain't worth a cent
But they see to it that every child is sent
If we don't send every day
We have a heavy fine to pay
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Prohibition′s good if ′tis conducted right
There's no sense in shooting a man ′til he shows flight
Officers kill without a cause
And come clear what money he lost
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Most all preachers preach for dough and not the soul
That's what keeps a poor man always in a hole
We can hardly get our breath
Taxed and schooled and preached to death
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Oh, it′s time for every man to be awake
We pay fifty cents a pound when we ask for steak
When we get our package home
Got a little wad of paper with gristle and bone
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?


Well, the doctor comes around with a face so bright
And he says in a little while you'll be all right
All he gives is a humbug pill
Dose of dope and a great big bill
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?