[Ingrid Croce]
Mr. Baker used to be a big executive
Now he's selling apples on the corner
Paper says that things are getting better maybe pretty soon
Hard times be over
Used to be a time when there was a dividing line
Between the pigs in mud and those in clover
Paper says thatthings are getting better maybe pretty soon
Hard times be over

[Jim Croce & Ingrid Croce]
I just got a lеtter from a fellow that I used to know
Clеaned up in the market but the crash hit him hard
Now he’s selling papers on a small town avenue
Had to sell his house and wife and even his dog
Picket lines and bread lines and "Buddy do you have a dime"
Even corner drunks are getting sober
Paper says the things are getting better maybe pretty soon
Hard times be over

I just got a letter from a fellow that I used to know
Cleaned up in the market but the crash hit him hard
Now he's selling papers on a small town avenue
Had to sell his house and wife and even his dog
Picket lines and bread lines and "Buddy do you have a dime"
Even corner drunks are getting sober
Paper says that things are getting better maybe pretty soon
Hard times be over
Paper says the things are getting better maybe pretty soon
Hard times be over