How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live chords
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Lyrics as reprinted in liner notes for "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?" Rounder 1001, 1972
Blind Alfred Reed
Hard Times Come Again No More, Album
November 27, 2008
Banjo tuned E, Key D no Capo
Tell Me How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
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There once was a time when everything was cheap,
D G D
But now prices nearly puts a man to sleep.
G D
When we pay our grocery bill,
G D
We just feel like making our will --
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Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
G D G D
I remember when dry goods were cheap as dirt,
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We could take two bits and buy a dandy shirt.
G D
Now we pay three bucks or more,
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Maybe get a shirt that another man wore --
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Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
D G D G D
Well, I used to trade with a man by the name of Gray,
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Flour was fifty cents for a twenty-four pound bag.
G D
Now it's a dollar and a half beside,
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Just like a-skinning off a flea for the hide --
G D G D
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?