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20 Feb 08 - 04:41 PM (#2267812) Subject: Tune Add: How can a Poor Man Stand Such Times From: Owlkat Meow Y'all, A piece of paper bubbled to the top of the paper pile, and on it was, along with the lyrics to "How can a poor man stand such times and live", (Blind Alfred Reed (c) 1930)was a question about the melody from Joe Offer. I've always used Ry Cooder's version on one of his way early recordings. Ry Cooder(?) I don't know if this question was ever answered, but just in case all the Cooder Keeners didn't pick it up, here are the lyrics and the chords. The ones I use, that is... G D G There once was a time when everything was cheap G C G D But now prices nearly puts a man to sleep G G7 When we pay our grocery bill C A7 or Am We just a-feel like makin' our will. G D G / C Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? G D G Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live? I remember when drygoods 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 24-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 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, 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 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? |
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20 Feb 08 - 05:25 PM (#2267865) Subject: RE: Tune Add: How can a Poor Man Stand Such Times From: Mark Ross I think the original 3rd verse was a man by the name of Bragg to rhyme with bag. Mark Ross |