HOW CAN A POOR MAN STAND SUCH TIMES AND LIVE? (BLIND ALFRED REED) (1929)

This song was recorded by Blind Alfred Reed in New York, NY, 4 Dec 1929 and released as RCA VICTOR Vi V-40236.

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?