Poor

Poor is a song that was inspired by a poem written by my Dad, Gale Senti. The punch line of the poem is: “When you’re poor, you don’t have much money.” That also is the chorus line of the song. The lyrics were also inspired by my love for a family that lived in the projects in Nashville, TN and also working with families in the Mississippi Delta as well as the Zuni Native American Reservation. I wrote the song in the year 2000 while living in Zuni.

“When you’re poor, don’t have much money when you’re poor.

Ain’t so sure, my Lord, what you’re living for.

‘Cause when you’re poor, you don’t have much money when you’re poor.

Little house, four rooms, five children, little house.

Little house, four rooms and a closet, little house.

‘Cause when you’re poor, you don’t have much money when you’re poor.

Mamma strives to raise the children, Mamma strives

Mamma tries to make enough money, Mamma tries

But when you’re poor, you don’t have much money when you’re poor.

Little girl, playing, laughing soothes her pain

But when you’re poor, don’t have much money when you’re poor…”

It’s written in the blues style and is dedicated to all those who have experienced poverty in one way or another.

You can find the song on the media page of the website. Scroll down past the Books and Articles section and follow the instructions to download the “In the Garden” CD the song is on. You’ll receive a code if you check that you want to be on the mailing list and can download any songs you want.