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 C Am
All he gives is a humbug pill, a dose of dope and a great big bill
G D C G C G C G C D
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
G D
He says "me and my old school pals had some might high times down here
D
And what happened to you poor black folks, well it just ain't fair"
G C Am
He took a look around gave a little pep talk, said "I'm with you" then he took a little walk
G D C G C G C G C D
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
G 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
Them who's got got out of town
C Am
And them who ain't got left to drown
G D C D 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 C
And I ain't got no home in this world no more
G C Am
Gonna be a judgment that's a fact, a righteous train rollin' down this track
G D C G C G C G C D
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
