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