I keep on tryin to get ahead, Im doin the best I can
But every time I try to pull up
They pull me right back down again
You got me down now and I hope youre satisfied
Oh, its so hard to try to keep my head up
Yes, when youre puttin pressure on me
From every side, every side

Even uncle sam say
I owe a lot of money way back from nineteen fifty six
Now, how could I owe him anything
When that whole year I was sick
They wont let me make my money
Wont even let me buy my clothes
Oh, its so hard to get something to eat
Yes, and now they want to throw me outdoors
Throw me outdoors

Yes, everybodys laughin at me
I can see the joy in their eyes
Theyre glad because Im down now
Just look at the devils in disguise
And I have no-one to turn to
No-one to lend me a helpin hand
Oh, Im tellin you, shakes has really got me now
Yes, Im a lonely, lonely man