Well, you're lookin' at a guy that's gottin' 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 alive
The fishin' pole's 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 batch
Yes, 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', Lord
Their full of holes and nails
Yes, and brother if I stepped on a worn out dime
I bet a nickel, I could tell ya if it was heads or tails
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
A distant uncle passed away
He left me quite a batch
And yes, I was livin'g high until that fatal day
A lawyer proved I wasn't born
I was only hatched
But I ain't 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'll never get out of this world alive