Image and caption: Family group, workman and his family. Corpus Christi, Texas Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress) LC-USF34- 038268-D

Lyrics:
 Daddy said “Be sure you shine your shoes, son—
 That’s the first thing that he’ll look at
 A hiring man is quick to pass you over
 If you give him an excuse”
  
 Momma said “Be sure you say your prayers, child—
 Though it seems like no one’s listening
 Letting your Maker knows you’re thankful
 Is the stand-up thing to do”
  
 There’s a fear that you can smell, sir
 When there’s way more love than money
 And your folks are talking softly
 ‘Cause they don’t want you to hear
  
 You can hardly catch each third word
 Though you hold your breath to listen
 But you can tell they’re up against it,
 That signal’s crystal clear
  
 It may be that the rent’s due
 And the overtime ain’t come through
 Or there’s furloughs at the factory
 And something’s got to give
  
 That’s the moment that it hits you
 Though you’re barely out of diapers:
 The hand that you’ve been dealt sir,
 Is “man must work to live”
 The hand that you’ve been dealt, sir
 Is “a man must work to live”