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'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 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.
  
  (ADDITIONAL VERSES)
  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.