Lyrics:

(Alfred Reed)
(G) - (C) - (G7) - (D) - (D7) - (Am)

(G) I remember a time when every (D) thing was (G) cheap
Now prices nearly puts a man to (D) sleep
(D7) Well, when we (G) get our grocery (G7) bill
We (C) feel like making our (Am) will
Tell me, (G) how can a poor man (D7) stand such times and (G) live ?
Tell me, (G) how can a poor man (D7) stand such times and (G) live ?

Well, the doctor comes around with his face all bright
And he says, 'In a little while you'll be all right!'
Well, all he gives is a humbug pill
Dose of dope 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 ?

Most preachers, well, they preach for gold and not for soul
Well, that's what keeps us poor folks always in a hole
Now, 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 ?
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live ?