"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 put a man to sleep
When we pay our grocery bill
Oh, I feel like making my will
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Oh, I remember when dry goods was 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?
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
Well, flour was fifty cents for twenty-four pound a bag
Now it's a dollar and a half beside
Like skinning off a flea for its hide
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Now, most preachers they preach for gold and not for souls
I tell you, that's what keeps a poor man always in a hole
Well, we can hardly, hardly get our breath
We're taxed and schooled and preached to death
So tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Oh, prohibition is good if conducted right
There's no sense shooting a man 'til he shows a fight
Now officers kill without cause
They complain about funny laws
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Oh, the schools today they ain't got a cent
But they see to it that every child is sent
And if you don't send everyday
You've got a heavy fine to pay
Oh, tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Oh, it's time for every man to be awake
Well, we pay fifty cents a pound when we ask for steak
When we get our package home
A wad of paper with gristle and a bone
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

Well, the doctor comes around, his a face all bright
He says in a little while you'll be all right
And he gives me a humbug pill
A 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?
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?