How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live

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?