Well you're lookin' at a man that's gettin' kinda 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 yes I was livin'g 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 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 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 A distant uncle passed away and left me quite a batch And yes I was livin'g high until that fatal day A lawyer proved I wasn't born I was only hatched I'm not gonna worry wrinkles in my brow 'Cause nothin's ever gonna be alright now No matter how I struggle and strive I'll never get out of this world alive I'll never get out of this world alive