I have ten kids at home got to eat

And eight of those kids need shoes on their feet

Now listen mister President and all you Congressmen too

I have ten kids that I got to clothe and feed



Things are gettin' worse in the city

Things are gettin' worse in the city

Things are gettin' tough

And I got those mean inflation blues



My landlord rang my front door bell

And I just let it ring for a long long spell

I asked him to tell me what was on his mind

He said you gotta pay up or move young man Your rent is too far behind



Things are gettin' worse in the city

Things are gettin' worse in the city

Things are gettin' tough

And I got those mean inflation blues



I don't make much money I can't save a cent

It takes all I can make just to eat, I can't pay the rent

I got lots o' other bills and they're all behind

When you see me laughin' people I'm laughin' to keep from cryin'



Things are gettin' worse in the city

Things are gettin' worse in the city

Things are gettin' tough

And I got those mean inflation blues