How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live? - The New Lost City Ramblers

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 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 a skinnin' 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 shootin' a man 'til he shows flight

Officers kill without a cause

Then 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 d**e and a great big bill

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live