How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live? Ry Cooder

[Verse 1]
Well, the doctor comes around with his 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?

[Verse 2]
Well there once was a time when everything was cheap
But now prices nearly puts a man to sleep
When we get our grocery bill
We just feel like making our will
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

[Verse 3]
Prohibition's good if 'tis conducted right
There's no sense in shooting a man 'til he shows flight
Officers kill without a cause
Then they complain about the funny laws
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?

(Additional stanzas in the original version:)

I remember when dry goods were cheap as dirt
We could take two bits and buy a dandy shirt
Now we pay ten bucks or more
Maybe get a shirt that another man wore
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?