Well you're looking at a guy that's gotten kind of mad
I had a lot of luck but it's all been bad
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive
The fishing pole broke, the creek is full of sand
My woman ran 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
He left me quite a badge
Yes and I was living high until that fatal day
A lawyer proved I wasn't born, I was only hatched
All the things that get me hurt has got me down
If I jumped in the river I would probably drown
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive
These shabby shoes I'm wearing, Lord
They're full of holes and nails
Yes brother if I stepped on a worn out dime
I bet a nickel I could tell you if it's heads or tails
If it was rain and 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
A distant uncle passed away
He left me quite a badge
Yes and I was living high until that fatal day
A lawyer proved I wasn't born, I was only hatched
Well I ain't gonna worry the wrinkles in my bride
Cause nothing's ever gonna turn out right, oh how
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive
I'll never get out of this world alive