How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live Lyrics - Joe Bonamassa

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? 

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