Lyrics How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times - Ry Cooder

How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times

Well, the doctor comes around with his 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?
Well there once was a time when everything was cheap
But now prices nearly puts a man to sleep
When we get our grocery bill
We just feel like making our will
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
Then they complain about the funny laws
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
(Additional stanzas in the original version:)
I remember when dry goods were cheap as dirt
We could take two bits and buy a dandy shirt
Now we pay ten 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?
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 bone
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Songwriter: Alfred Reed