How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?
The Sessions Band/Bruce Springsteen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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?
The lyrics in "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?" by The Sessions Band/Bruce Springsteen depict the harsh reality of poverty and inequality faced by the poor, particularly African Americans during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, and economic recession. The song highlights the struggles of lower income families, who face challenges in receiving the same support and resources as the more privileged class during times of hardship.
The opening verse of the song references a doctor who gives a "humbug pill" and a hefty bill to a poor patient, depicting the harsh reality that medical help is costly and inaccessible for some. The lyrics also make reference to the racial injustice present in American history, where people of color were often denied basic human rights and opportunities.
The latter part of the song focuses on the tragic events surrounding Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The lyrics speak of bodies floating on canal streets and levees breaking, which was a direct reference to the destruction the hurricane caused to New Orleans. The song also speaks of the lack of assistance offered to the poor, while the rich were able to flee to safety.
Overall, "How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live?" explores themes of poverty, inequality, and injustice, all while highlighting the resilience and strength of those who face such hardships every day.
Line by Line Meaning
And he says, "In a little while you'll be all right"
He offers false hope, promising that things will get better soon despite knowing that it won't be enough.
All he gives is a humbug pill, a dose of dope and a great big bill
His solution to the problem is nothing but an ineffective and costly band-aid.
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
The recurring question reflects the desperation and hopelessness of the situation, asking how someone can survive when everything seems to be falling apart.
He says, "Me and my old school pals had some might high times 'round here
He reminisces about his past and doesn't fully grasp the challenges that the poor communities face in the present.
And what happened to you poor black folks, well it just ain't fair"
He acknowledges the inequality but doesn't have any viable solutions to offer or isn't willing to take any meaningful actions to address it.
He took a look around, gave a little pep talk, said
He tries to encourage and motivate the people, but it's too little too late.
"I'm with you" then he took a little walk
His words of support are hollow and lack any substance or follow-through.
There's bodies floatin' on Canal Street and the levees gone to hell
The grim reality of the situation is that people are dying and the infrastructure is failing.
Martha, get me my sixteen gauge and some dry shells
The gun is the only form of protection and defense that the poor have.
Them who's got got out of town
Those who have money and resources were able to leave and avoid the disaster.
And them who ain't got left to drown
The poor and vulnerable were left behind and were unable to escape the destruction.
I got family scattered from Texas all the way to Baltimore
The scope of the problem is vast and affects many communities and families.
And I ain't got no home in this world no more
The devastation has caused people to lose their homes and their sense of stability.
Gonna be a judgment that's a fact, a righteous train rollin' down this track
The singer believes that justice will prevail and those who have profited off of the poor's suffering will face consequences.
Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live?
The repeated questioning emphasizes that the struggles of the poor are ongoing and seemingly insurmountable.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ALFRED REED, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
bożena wojtczak
muzycy są wybitni ,coś wspaniałego !!!!!!dziękuję Bruce :)))))))))))
Εβελίνα Καλύβα
He's the definition of perfection... ❤️
Axel Rønne Vocal & Guitar
Just to say it ... Sounds great !!
amazing music performance from Bruce !
Susana Silva
Bruce is a phenomenon !! Always current song !! 💫✨☀️🎸🎷🎻🎯🎺🥁🎹🎼💓🙇🏼♀️
Claudia Campos
Toda vez que eu te vejo, eu me apaixono tudo de novo! Minha alma gêmea. Hoje eu te amo mais do que ontem!
Margarete Von Linsingen
Belíssima música.
MaGarthur
I just re-discovered this song a few days ago when listening to Live in Dublin. Incredible.
michele abbas
J’adore cette version, les musiciens……cette voix 🥰il ne manque rien 🕊💙🕊
Sueli Marques
O melhor do mundo 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
James Percy
This could be the anthem of 2020 the way things are going!