I was down and I cried : *my pillowcase was on the line*

Ain't it tough to see a man : go to *wreck and almost

fall and die*



I stood on the corner : and almost bust my head

I couldn't earn enough money : to buy me a loaf of bread



Baby times is so hard : I almost call it tough

I can't earn money to buy no bread : and you know I can't

buy my snuff



My gal's a housemaid : and she earns a dollar a week

And I'm so hungry on payday : I can't hardly speak



Now gather around me people : let me tell you a true fact

That tough luck has sunk me : and the rats is creeping in

my hat