I’M IN THE POOR HOUSE NOW [Sun, 1-19-25] Inauguration Special

BEYOND WINTER: The Somewhat Relevant Songs of An Old Man—I’M IN THE POOR HOUSE NOW [Sun, 1-19-25] Inauguration Special

 

To the tune of He’s in The Jail House Now.

I used to be a young man

Everything was oh so grand

I thought I would be good forever more

But I found out on Monday

That I got real old on Sunday

And now I’m so weak I can barely stand

 

I’m in the poor house now

I’m in the poor house now

Whatever could I do

They said it’s Shady Pines for you

I’m in the poor house now

 

My wild oats have all been sown

Every time I move I moan

I’m getting’ ready to face that final door

But I could still be neat and cool

I could move it like a dancing fool

If I could just get up from off the floor

 

I’m in the poor house now

I’m in the poor house now

I stagger when I try to walk

The words escape me when I talk

I’m in the poor house now

 

Remember the last election

Everybody was in action

Trying to find themselves a president

Now the country’s full of tension

There goes my old-age pension

Only rich folks make it now

 

I’m in the poor house now

I’m in the poor house now

If you elect yourselves a dope

You better trust in God and hope

I’m in the poor house now

 

John Robert McFarland

The “poor house” was the way society took care of the infirm old people before Social Security. In many ways, it was a good system. You lived in a big house with other old people, under the supervision of a younger couple, and helped with gardening and cooking and whatever you could. You had shelter and food, and most importantly, community.

Jimmie Rodgers wrote He’s In The Jailhouse Now. Many others also recorded it. You can hear most of them on You Tube. It was sung by the Soggy Bottom Boys in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?. I’m indebted to Blind Blake [Arthur Blake] for the inspiration for my last verse.