Times ain't now nothing like they used to be,
Times ain't now nothing like they used to be,
Well, I tell you the truth, won't you take my word from me.

I've seen better days, but I ain't puttin' up with these.
I've seen better days, but I ain't puttin' up with these.
Had a lot better times with the women down in New Orleans

'Cause I was born in the country she thinks I'm easy to lose,
'Cause I was born in the country she thinks I'm easy to lose.
She wants to hitch me to a wagon and drive me like a mule

I bought her a gold ring and I paid the rent
I bought her a gold ring and I paid the rent
She wants me to wash her clothes but I got good common sense

I gave you sugar for sugar, you want salt for salt.
I gave you sugar for sugar, but you want salt for salt,
And if you can't get along, honey, it's your own damn fault.

Sometimes I think you're just too sweet to die,
Sometimes I think you're just too sweet to die,
Other times I think you ought to be buried alive.