[Verse 1]
I remember a time when everything was cheap
Now prices nearly puts a man to sleep
Well when we get our grocery bill
We feel like making our 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?

[Verse 2]
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
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?

[Instrumental Verse and Guitar Solo]

[Verse 3]
Most preachers, well they preach for gold and not for souls
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?