HOW CAN A POOR MAN STAND SUCH TIMES AND LIVE?
by Blind Alfred Reed ©1930, Peer International Corp.

D A D - / - - A - / D - G D // D A D -

There was once a time when everything was cheap
But now prices almost 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 24-pound bag
Now it's a dollar and a half beside
Just like skinnin' 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 so 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?

This text is from the "Rise Up Singing" songbook. I looked all around for a tune, but couldn't find it. Anybody got one to post?
-Joe Offer-^^