WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE
(Tom T. Hall)

Tom T. Hall - 1978



Well, I've been in some bars where they serve it in big silver goblets
And pewter and brass
I've been in some joints where they serve it in paper cups
And maybe an old water glass

But it's all the same in the old drinkin' game
When you drink and you try to forget
One woman who loved you and another who didn't
And I ain't seen one winner yet

What'a you got to lose
What'a you got to lose
Try women and booze and the cigarette blues
What'a you got to lose

Well, I've been in some towns with some high rollin' heavies
And I know some unknowns and stars
The big equalizer is a good drink of liquor
When they all belly up to the bar

Some cry for fame, some cry for money
And some people reach for the skies
But when a honky tonk heart starts cryin' for a honky tonk
You can't get a tear in edgewise

What'a you got to lose
What'a you got to lose
Try women and booze and the cigarette blues
What'a you got to lose

Now, an old country boy just can't sit on the porch
And watch while the world's goin' by
Now he's got to be part of some social endeavour
So he gets him a jug and he tries

He'll play that old jukebox and chase them old hides
'Bout daylight come to in his room
When that sun's comin' up he's 'bout halfway to hell
About halfway back home around noon

What'a you got to lose
What'a you got to lose
Try women and booze and the cigarette blues
What'a you got to lose

What'a you got to lose
What'a you got to lose
Try women and booze and the cigarette blues
What'a you got to lose


(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - May 2018)