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 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

Everything's against me and it's 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 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