JD Simo Trio - How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live

From the Album: Songs From The House Of Grease Year of Release:2023
Lyrics: How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live
Song – Alfred Reed

“How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?” is a blues standard from 1929 that has been recorded by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Joe Bonamassa. The original version was performed on violin by Blind Alfred Reed who wrote, composed and performed the song. The lyrics talk about the hard times that the people were experiencing at onset of the “Great Depression.” Simo sings in a Southern sounding laid back voice and electrifies the composition and unlike Reed’s version he performs an extended slide guitar jam in the middle, doubling the three minute song to six.

There once was a time when everything was cheap,
But now prices nearly puts a man to sleep.
When we pay 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 three bucks or more,
Maybe get a shirt that another man wore --
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Well, I used to trade with a man by the name of Gray,
Flour was fifty cents for a twenty-four pound bag.
Now it's a dollar and a half beside,
Just like a-skinning off a flea for the hide --
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Oh, the schools we have today ain't worth a cent,
But they see to it that every child is sent.
If we don't send everyday,
We have a heavy fine to pay --
Tell me how can a poor man stand such times and live?
Prohibition's good if 'tis conducted right,
There's no sense in shooting a man 'til he shows flight.
Officers kill without a cause,
They complain about funny laws --
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?
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?
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?

JD Simo’s new album Songs From The House of Grease was released on January 13, 2023. It was recorded at his home studio in Nahville over two days where he and his band jammed. The other two members of the trio consists of longtime partners Adam Abrashoff playing drums and Todd Bolden thumping the bass guitar. Simo is a native of Chicago that relocated to Nashville and has worked as a songwriter, guitarist and producer for a slew of artists. The list includes “Blackberry Smoke,” Luther Dickinson and the “North Mississippi Allstars,” Phil Lesh from the “Grateful Dead” and Jack White to name some. Simo was part of the soundtrack for Baz Luhrmann’s 2023 Academy Award nominated film, Elvis. He was the only guitar player appearing on the twelve tracks that included one. This includes the “Best Rap Performance” nomination “Vegas” which features Doja Cat.

https://www.amazon.com/Songs-House-Grease-JD-Simo/dp/B0BF6V87YJ
https://soundcloud.com/jdsimomusic/04-how-can-a-poor-man-stand
https://jdsimo.bandcamp.com/track/how-can-a-poor-man-stand-such-times-and-live
https://music.apple.com/es/album/songs-from-the-house-of-grease/1639230704?l=en

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Видео JD Simo Trio - How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live канала Blues & Rock music Ilija Capko