Now you're lookin at a man that's gettin kind-a mad I had lots of luck but it's all been bad No matter how I struggle and strive I'll never get out of this world alive. 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 living high until that fatal day A lawyer proved I wasn't born I was only hatched. Everythings agin me and it's got me down If I jumped in the river I would probly 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 Im not gonna worry wrinkles in my brow cause nothins ever gonna be alright nohow No matter how I struggle and strive I'll never get out of this world alive
(additional verses) 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