Got the king cotton blues, that I can't deny I've always been in trouble, but, I never did know why Some say it's my attitude, others said my luck Those that said my just deserts can take a flying fuck Got the king cotton blues, right down to my core I can take the licking, boys, stand up and ask for more It ain't because of courage, on account of being brave I never saw much reason to avoid an early grave King cotton blues boys, be it understood Shotgun is too merciful, hanging is too good Drowning's too uncertain, poison is too slow To snuff a worthless widow's son whose time has come to go Got the king cotton blues, reason to complain All the local prostitutes, spit upon my name I take out my handkerchief, and dust that shit away Revenge don't bring relief, boys, no matter what they say Got the king cotton blues, price upon my head A thousand bucks alive, and double if I'm dead They don't want to have to feed me, they know my appetite Let's head down to the bar afar, and pick another fight Got the king cotton blues when shit hits the fan No shame to duck, boys, any chance you can Take your absolution, at the whorehouse down the block For those who disavow you, can wind the devil's clock Got the king cotton blues, every dog knows the tune Every cat has a version, beneath the brightful moon Take your revolution, and stick it upper class Be kind to one another, and dip your lights when you pass Got the king cotton blues, that's all I got to say They done locked up the keys, and threw the house away I'm just buying my time until they pop my red balloon Feed me to the tigers, throw my leg across the moon