Well, the doctor comes 'round here 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?

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 Street 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 all the way 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
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?