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