How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live? - Blind Alfred Reed

(g) - (c) - (g7) - (d) - (d7) - (am)

(g) I remember a time when every (d) thing was (g) cheap
Now prices nearly puts a man to (d) sleep
(d7) well, when we (g) get our grocery (g7) bill
We (c) feel like making our (am) will
Tell me, (g) how can a poor man (d7) stand such times and (g) live ? 
Tell me, (g) how can a poor man (d7) stand such times and (g) live ? 

Well, the doctor comes around with his face all bright
And he says, "in a little while you’ll be all right!"
Well, all he gives is a humbug pill
Dose of dope and a great big bill
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live ? 
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live ? 

Most preachers, well, they preach for gold and not for soul
Well, that’s what keeps us poor folks always in a hole
Now, 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 ? 
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live ?