Well I said to my best friend, can't you see what a mess I'm in? My daddy he taught me to drink whisky But my momma she died from a-drinkin' gin My brother, he works in a coal mine, works so hard to get his pay My sister, she believes in sweet lord Jesus And she's waitin' for redemption day What am I livin' for? Why am I living, why am I giving all my life To bring up a family, children, and wife Tell me my friend hasn't that been done before? I remember my first job, I was singin' with a band Every payday came around I'd take my money from the man He said "Now spend it wisely, boy, or save it while you have the time" But I got drunk on a stand
And I blew the band Now I'm standing in the unemployment line What am I livin' for? Why am I living, why am I giving all my life To bring up a family, children, and wife Tell me my friend hasn't that been done before? I had me a sweet woman, mine until the sun don't shine I came home one morning, early And I found her with a friend of mine It's not so much I needed her But oh, God, how to stay away I packed my bags, and I hit the road And I've never seen her to this day What am I livin' for? Why am I living, why am I giving all my life To bring up a family, children, and wife Listen my friend, its been done before --- .