How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?

The New Lost City RamblersThe New Lost Ci… 

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The New Lost City Ramblers

The New Lost City Ramblers is a contemporary old-time string band that formed in New York City in 1958 during the Folk Revival. The founding members of the Ramblers, or NLCR, are Mike Seeger, John Cohen, and Tom Paley. Tom Paley later left the group and was replaced by Tracy Schwarz. more »

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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 makin' our will
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

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 skinnin' 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 shootin' a man 'til he shows flight
Officers kill without a cause
Then 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?

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