Een nummer over armoede. Een eeuw geleden geschreven (door A. Reed en later aangepast door B. Springsteen), maar heden ten dage helaas actueel. Een nog jonge Ry Cooder zingt en speelt :
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Bron: Musixmatch
Songwriters: A. Reed / B. Springsteen