No Knees

(album: High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project - 2009)

I ain't got no knees no more, I can't walk around
Keep me off that killing floor, Lord, and above the ground
The doctor says my heart's alright, and that's alright with me
I guess the poison's in my system and it's settled in my knees

I ain't got no knees no more and I can hardly stand
Living life flat on my back, it's hard to be a man
I don't know what it's gonna take to get back on my feet
Lord, I'm only 28 years old and I feel damn near beat

You know, I guess it was my drinking, I was drinking day and night
Now I've stopped, but it's too late and that just don't seem right
Why stay in the city, if you can't paint the town?
What's the use of standing up when you keep falling down?

I ain't got no knees no more, I'm not worth a dime
I spent all my money, Lord, and I used up my time
I should pray to heaven, and beg for mercy, please
But Lord knows it would kill me just to get down on these knees