[Verse 1]
Had them blue ribbon blues lord
So long, for so long
I don't even know where I'm goin'
All I know is where I've gone
I've been drunked up for three days and
I know I'll pay for my sins
But please, sweet Jesus
Let me get drunk just once again

[Chorus]
Though I tried to love ya
You know I'll try again, yeah, la la
All I need is a sweet melody
And a half a pint of bourbon or gin, bourbon or gin
And a half a pint of bourbon or gin

[Verse 2]
I've been down on my luck Lord
So long, baby for so long
Now I can't even wake up in the mornin'
I guess I'm just too far gone
I feel like I'm just wastin' space Lord
Like I'm just wastin' air
Oh I can't seem to find the darkness
Dream til you're there
[Chorus]
Though I tried to love ya
You know I'll try again, yeah, la la
All I need is a sweet melody
And a half a pint of bourbon or gin, bourbon or gin
And a half a pint of bourbon or gin, Bus Shelton here

[Guitar Instrumental: Bus Shelton]

[Verse 3]
Ridin' rails, ramblin' round
You know how I ain't got me no home
But I left my poor family
When I was only 15 years old
But oh California call my name
Lord you know that I'll find you if I can
But I gotta stay on the road, mama
I'm a hard drivin' man, oooo

[Chorus]
Though I tried to love ya
You know I'll try again, yeah, la la
All I need is a sweet melody
And a half a pint of bourbon or gin, bourbon or gin
And a half a pint of bourbon or gin