Now you're lookin' at a man that's gettin' kind-a 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 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 living high until that fatal day A lawyer proved I wasn't born I was only hatched Every thing's against 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 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 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