G                D              G
There was once a time when everything was cheap,
                                    D
But now prices almost puts a man to sleep.
        G
When we pay our grocery bill,
        C                    G
We just feel like making our will
                           D                    G
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

[Verse 2]
                    D                   G
I remember when dry goods were cheap as dirt,
                                       D
We could take two bits and buy a dandy shirt.
       G
Now we pay three bucks or more,
            C                      G
Maybe get a shirt that another man wore
                           D                    G
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

[Refrain]
G    D    G    G

[Verse 3]
                             D                  G
Well, I used to trade with a man by the name of Gray,
                                              D
Flour was fifty cents for a twenty-four pound bag.
           G
Now it's a dollar and a half beside,
          C                       G
Just like skinning a flea for the hide
                           D                    G
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

[Verse 4]
                          D                 G
Oh, the schools we have today ain't worth a cent,
                                       D
But they see to it that every child is sent.
      G
If we don't send everyday,
          C             G
We have a heavy fine to pay
                           D                    G
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

[Refrain]
G    D    G    G

[Verse 5]
                      D              G
Prohibition's good if 'tis conducted right,
                                                 D
There's no sense in shooting a man 'til he shows flight.
         G
Officers kill without a cause,
        C                 G
Then complain about funny laws
                           D                    G
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

[Verse 6]
                              D                 G
Most all preachers preach for dough and not for souls,
                                         D
That's what keeps a poor man always in a hole.
       G
We can hardly get our breath,
          C                        G
Taxed and schooled and preached to death
                           D                    G
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

[Refrain]
G    D    G    G

[Verse 7]
                        D          G
Oh, it's time for every man to be awake,
                                           D
We pay fifty cents a pound when we ask for steak.
        G
When we get our package home,
                    C                      G
Got a little wad of paper with gristle and bone
                           D                    G
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

[Verse 8]
                        D                    G
Well, the doctor comes around with a face so bright,
                                          D
And he says in a little while you'll be alright.
       G
All he gives is a humbug pill,
        C                    G
Dose of dope and a great big bill
                           D                    G
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?