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 livin' 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' 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. 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.