How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live? (Live)

歌詞

There once was a time when everything was cheap But now prices nearly put a man to sleep When we pay our grocery bill Oh, I feel like making my will Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Oh, I remember when dry goods was cheap as dirt We could take two bits and buy a dandy shirt Now we pay ten bucks or more Maybe get a shirt that another man wore Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? 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 Well, flour was fifty cents for twenty-four pound a bag Now it's a dollar and a half beside Like skinning off a flea for its hide Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Now, most preachers they preach for gold and not for souls I tell you, that's what keeps a poor man always in a hole Well, we can hardly, hardly get our breath We're taxed and schooled and preached to death So tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Oh, prohibition is good if conducted right There's no sense shooting a man 'til he shows a fight Now officers kill without cause They complain about funny laws Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Oh, the schools today they ain't got a cent But they see to it that every child is sent And if you don't send everyday You've got a heavy fine to pay Oh, tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Oh, it's time for every man to be awake Well, we pay fifty cents a pound when we ask for steak When we get our package home A wad of paper with gristle and a bone Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Well, the doctor comes around, his a face all bright He says in a little while you'll be all right And he gives me a humbug pill A dose of dope and a great big bill Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?