Well, the doctor comes around with a face so bright And he says: In a little while, you'll be all right But 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? He says: Me and my old school pals had some might high times 'round here And what happened to you poor black folks, well, it just ain't fair He took a look around, gave a little pep talk Said: I'm with you, then he took a little walk Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live? There's bodies floatin' on Canal and the levees gone to hell Martha, get me my sixteen gauge and some dry shells Them who's got got out of town And them who ain't got left to drown Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live? I got family scattered from Texas to Baltimore And I ain't got no home in this world no more Gonna be a judgment, that's a fact A righteous train rollin' down this track How can a poor man stand such times and live? How can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live? Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?