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?
