How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live? (Live)

How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live? (Live) - Joe Bonamassa

Lyrics by：Alfred Reed

Composed by：Alfred Reed

There was once a time when everything was cheap

But now prices nearly put a man to sleep

When we pay our grocery bill

Oh feel like making my 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

I remember when dry goods was cheap as dirt

We'd take two bits and buy a dandy shirt

Now we pay ten bucks or more

Maybe get a shirt another man wore

So 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 I used to trade with a man by the name of Grey

Well flour's fifty cents for twenty-four pounds a day

Now there's a dollar in a half beside

Like skinning a fleece for its hide

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Now most preachers they preach for gold and not for soul

I tell ya that's what us poor always in a hole

Well we can hardly hardly get our breath

We're taxed at school and preached to death

So tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Can you tell me

How can a poor man stand such times and live

Oh prohibition is good if conducted right

There's no sense shooting a man till he shows a fight

Now officers kill without cause

They complain about the gun and laws

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Oh the schools today they ain't got a cent

But they see to it that every child is sent yeah

And if you don't send everyday

You got a hell bent fine to pay

Oh tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Oh it's time every man to be aware

Well we pay a fifty cents a pound when we ask for a steak

Well we get our package home

While in the paper is gristle and bone

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 his face so bright

He says in a little while you'll be alright

And he gives me a humbug pill

A dose of d**e 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

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live

Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live