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