Now you're lookin' at a man that's gettin' kind a mad
I had lot's of luck but it's all been bad
No matter how I struggle and strive

I'll never get out of this world a live.

My fishin' pole's broke the creek is full of sand

My woman run away with another man
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.


A distant uncle passed away and left me quite a batch
And I was livin'g high until that fatal day

A lawyer proved I wasn't born
I was only hatched.


Ev'rything's agin' me and it's got me down
If I jumped in the river I would prob'ly drown
No matter how I struggle and strive

I'll never get out of this world alive.

These shabby shoes I'm wearin' all the time

Are full of holes and nails
And brother if I stepped on a worn out dime
I bet a nickel I could tell you if it was heads or tails.


I'm not gonna worry wrinkles in my brow
'Cause nothin's ever gonna be alright nohow

No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.


I could buy a Sunday suit and it would leave me broke
If it had two pair of pants I would burn the coat
No matter how I struggle and strive

I'll never get out of this world alive.

If it was rainin' gold I wouldn't stand a chance

I wouldn't have a pocket in my patched up pants
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive.