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