HOW CAN A POOR MAN STAND SUCH TIMES AND LIVE ?
Blind Alfred Reed - 1929


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?


*****


HOW CAN A POOR MAN STAND SUCH TIMES AND LIVE ? 
(Alfred Reed)
Ry Cooder


I remember a time when everything was cheap 
Now prices nearly puts a man to sleep 
Well, when we get our grocery bill 
We feel like making our 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 ? 

Well, the doctor comes around with his face all bright 
And he says, "In a little while you'll be all right!" 
Well, 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 ? 
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live ? 

Most preachers, well, they preach for gold and not for soul 
Well, that's what keeps us poor folks always in a hole 
Now, 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 ? 
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live ? 



(Contributed by Nancy - July 2003)