Once the shops where filled with things that I could buy
But the prices up them all the guns got high
Don't suppose they're gonna drop
Gotta get used to the charity shop
Tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live

Seems like only yesterday food was so cheap
Now the cost of eating goes up every week
So you search for the best deals
Have to miss out on some meals
Tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live

Get that first foot on the ladder they all say
But I'm earning they know there's no way
Ain't no bank that's gonna lend
They got bonuses to spend
Tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live

Council housing something I will never get
Put my name down on the list I'm waiting yet
So I'm renting privately, landlords profiting from me
Tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live

(..)

Getting round is getting harder every day
Used to drive a car but lately there's no way
Trains are only for the rich
And the bus fares are a bitch
Tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live

And the doctors don't' come out no more at night
They won't treat you if the think you don't live right
While they privatize the rest, soon there'll be no NHS
Tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live

Keeping warm is something poor folks cannot do
'Cause the oil men need a driving yacht or two
Now the companies may grow as the pensioners grow cold
Tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live
Tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live
Just tell me, how can poor men stand such times and live