This file is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the song. You may only use this file for private study, scholarship, or research.
Performer: Bruce Springsteen
Album: The Seeger Sessions
Words and music: Blind Alfred Reed
How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
Capo 3rd fret
G D G
Well, the doctor comes 'round here with his face all bright
D
And he says "in a little while you'll be alright"
G G7 C Am
All he gives is a humbug pill, a dose of dope and a great big bill
G D7 G
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
D G
He says "me and my old school pals had some mighty high times down here
D
And what happened to you poor black folks, well it just ain't fair"
G G7 C Am
He took a look around gave a little pep talk, said "I'm with you" then he took a little walk
G D7 G
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
D G
There's bodies floatin' on Canal and the levees gone to Hell
D
Martha, get me my sixteen gauge and some dry shells
G G7 C Am
Them who's got got out of town and them who ain't got left to drown
G D7 G
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
D G
I got family scattered from Texas all the way to Baltimore
D
And I ain't got no home in this world no more
G G7 C Am
Gonna be a judgment that's a fact, a righteous train rollin' down this track
G D7 G
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
G D7 G
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Home