You might also consider the blues song "Nobody Knows You", recorded by numerous artists.

Nobody knows you when you're down and out
In your pocket, not one penny, as for friends, you ain't got any,
When you get back on your feet again, everybody wants to be your long lost friend,
They say it's strange, without any doubt,
Nobody knows you when you're down and out.

Another one I'd suggest is "Past Fifty" by Stan Rogers (on the CD "From Coffee House to Concert Hall".    The word Chief suggests that he's writing about a native man, but I guess that's not for certain. Good melody.

Past Fifty (Stan Rogers)

Some living, no one time for giving, I ain't got a dime,
Winds are blowing, wheat fields are growing, but none of it's mine,
Gets so I just watch people go by, looking away,
I tell you, I'm almost through, I'd hate to see another day.

Easy lady, I know you're always ready, selling your time,
My last dollar, I pinched it till it hollered, and bought me some wine.
I'm past caring, it's all I got for sharing, so if you're for free
I tell you, I'm almost through, I'm tired as a man can be.

Chorus:
I want to go home to the Maker, home to the Chief,
The Holy Word made me sure my worried mind would find relief;
I'm going through life like a Pilgrim, lost in a storm,
With winds that blow to make me cold, but the Holy Body keeps me warm.

Some morning, I'd like to see me warming my feet by a fire,
Eggs and bacon, coffee I'd be making, couldn't be finer!
A good living, extra bit forgiving someone like me,
I tell you, I'm almost through, I'm tired as a man can be.

Chorus