How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?

Blind Alfred Reed

Originale

La versione di Bill Adair

HOW CAN A POOR MAN STAND SUCH TIMES AND LIVE? 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? Well the preacher come round here with his face all bright. He told me in a little while it’ll be alright. But all he gave me was a humbug pill, A dose of pity and a great big bill, How can a poor man stand such times and live? He said he could remember when he used to play down there. What happened to you mining people well it’s just not fair. He took a look around and he breathed a sigh, He said what a shame men had to die, How can a poor man stand such times and live? There are women and children crying all round the square. Already some families are moving away from there. The mine won’t open like it did before, So there’s no work here anymore, How can a poor man stand such times and live? I got a brother in Australia who said I should go out there. But I know I’ll never feel settled down anywhere. I borrowed some money for to pay my way, But I’ll have nothing when I hit the bay How can a poor man stand such times and live? Now I’ve got some time left here before I go. My case is packed and sitting outside the door. I’ll get paid off on down the line, But till that time I’ll work the mine, How can a poor man stand such times and live?