[Verse 1]
Now you're lookin' at a man that's gettin' kinda 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

[Verse 2]
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

[Bridge]
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 borned, I was only hatched

[Verse 3]
Every thing's agin' 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

[Bridge]
These shabby shoes I'm wearin' all the time
Is 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
[Verse 4]
I'm not gonna worry wrinkles in my brow
'Cause nothin's ever gonna be alright no how
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world alive