Well you're looking at a guy that's gotten kind of madI had a lot of luck but it's all been badNo matter how I struggle and striveI'll never get out of this world aliveThe fishing pole broke, the creek is full of sandMy woman ran away with another manNo matter how I struggle and striveI'll never get out of this world aliveA distant uncle passed awayHe left me quite a badgeYes and I was living high until that fatal dayA lawyer proved I wasn't born, I was only hatchedAll the things that get me hurt has got me downIf I jumped in the river I would probably drownNo matter how I struggle and striveI'll never get out of this world aliveThese shabby shoes I'm wearing, LordThey're full of holes and nailsYes brother if I stepped on a worn out dimeI bet a nickel I could tell you if it's heads or tailsIf it was rain and gold I wouldn't stand a chanceI wouldn't have a pocket in my patched up pantsNo matter how I struggle and striveI'll never get out of this world aliveA distant uncle passed awayHe left me quite a badgeYes and I was living high until that fatal dayA lawyer proved I wasn't born, I was only hatchedWell I ain't gonna worry the wrinkles in my brideCause nothing's ever gonna turn out right, oh howNo matter how I struggle and striveI'll never get out of this world aliveI'll never get out of this world alive