Now, you're lookin' at a man that's gettin' kinda mad
I had a lot a luck but it's all been bad
No matter how I struggle and strive
I'll never get out of this world aliveMy 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 aliveMy distant uncle passed away
And left me quite a batch
And I was livin' high until the fatal day
A lawyer proved I wasn't born, I was only hatchedEverything'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 aliveThese shabby shoes I'm wearin' all the time
Is full of holes and nails
And brother, if I stepped on worn-out dime
I bet a nickel I could tell you if it was heads or tailsI'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