Blind Alfred Reed: How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live | Song-Factsheet

Streams


Song «How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live» von Blind Alfred Reed.

Fakten

Veröffentlichungsdaten: 1930 05 16 (Single), 1929 12 04 (Rec.)
Label: Victor V 40236
Songwriter
Produktion: Ted Olson
Genre: Americana - Country - Countryfolk

Annotationen

Diese Song muss noch annotiert werden.

Personen und Querverweise


Blind Alfred Reed
Ted Olson

Lyrics

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?