If a ticket round the world
Cost a quarter,
I couldn't get across
My hometown border.
Had me a woman, but I
Couldn't afford her;
These times are leaner and
Meaner than me.
These times are leaner and
Meaner than me.

Work-place drama, daily commute,
Time and a half, American dream.
Time bomb trauma, life won't compute.
You used to laugh, now you just scream.

Another day, another dollar,
Minimum wage and blue collar.
What can I say, my life's a bust.
I used to rage; now I just rust.

If a ticket round the world
Cost a quarter,
I couldn't get across
My hometown border.
Had me a woman, but I
Couldn't afford her;
These times are leaner and
Meaner than me.
These times are leaner and
Meaner than me.

Down on the farm, it's no better;
You plant your hours, wait for the buds.
You mean no harm, still a debtor.
It used to shower; now it just floods.

Another day, another dollar,
Minimum wage and blue collar.
What can I say, my life's a bust.
I used to rage; now I just rust.

If a ticket round the world
Cost a quarter,
I couldn't get across
My hometown border.
Had me a woman, but I
Couldn't afford her;
These times are leaner and
Meaner than me.
These times are leaner and
Meaner than me.