How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?
Composer(s): Blind Alfred Reed
Performer(s): Blind Alfred Reed;
and various other artists



There once was a time when everything was cheap
But now prices nearly puts a man to sleep
When we pay our grocery bill
We just feel like making our will 
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 a-skinning off 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 everyday
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
They complain about funny laws 
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Most all preachers preach for gold and not for souls
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
A little wad of paper with gristle and a bone 
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

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