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?