How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
Well the preacher come round here with his face all bright.
He told me in a little while it’ll be alright.
But all he gave me was a humbug pill,
A dose of pity and a great big bill,
How can a poor man stand such times and live?
He said he could remember when he used to play down there.
What happened to you mining people well it’s just not fair.
He took a look around and he breathed a sigh,
He said what a shame men had to die,
How can a poor man stand such times and live?
There are women and children crying all round the square.
Already some families are moving away from there.
The mine won’t open like it did before,
So there’s no work here anymore,
How can a poor man stand such times and live?
I got a brother in Australia who said I should go out there.
But I know I’ll never feel settled down anywhere.
I borrowed some money for to pay my way,
But I’ll have nothing when I hit the bay
How can a poor man stand such times and live?
Now I’ve got some time left here before I go.
My case is packed and sitting outside the door.
I’ll get paid off on down the line,
But till that time I’ll work the mine,
How can a poor man stand such times and live?
From the album "Along The Miners' Rows"
© W. J. Adair/Sad Jeb Music 2008
Music and lyrics are the copyright of Bill Adair. You may use the songs and you may print the lyrics in order to learn them but you may not reproduce any of this material in written, printed or recorded form, online or offline, for any other purpose than your own personal use without permission from the copyright owner. The use of any of the content, written or recorded, for any commercial or profitmaking purpose online or offline is totally prohibited.
