I Ain't Living Long Like This
Rodney Crowell Lyrics

I look for trouble and I found it son
I deliberately seek out danger and as a result, I am in trouble now.

Straight down the barrel of a lawman's gun
I am in a situation where I am directly threatened by a police officer's gun.

I tried to run but I don't think I can
I attempted to flee the scene, but it seems impossible to escape.

You make one move and you're a dead man friend
If I take any action or make any sudden moves, the policeman will shoot me.

Ain't living long like this
Living in constant danger or getting into trouble repeatedly, it is unlikely that I will live long.

Can't live at all like this, can I baby?
It is impossible to live a fulfilling life in this way, can you imagine?

He slipped the handcuffs on behind my back
The policeman arrested and restrained me with handcuffs from behind.

And left me reeling on a steel reel rack
The situation was so overwhelming and unreal that it made me feel dizzy and disoriented.

They got'em all in the jailhouse baby
Many people who get into trouble are sent to jail, and I am not the only one.

Grew up in Houston off the wayside drives
I was raised in Houston, specifically in the areas adjacent to the roadsides.

Son of a carhop and some all night dives
My mother worked as a carhop, and my father was often found in all-night dive bars.

Dad drove a stock car to an early death
My father drove a racecar and died at a relatively young age.

All I remember was a drunk man's breath
When I think of my father, all that comes to mind is the smell of his alcoholic breath.

You know the story how the wheel goes 'round
The pattern of life is a cycle of ups and downs, and history often repeats itself.

Don't let them take you to the man down town
Do not allow yourself to be arrested and imprisoned by the police.

Can't sleep at all in a jailhouse baby
It is impossible to rest peacefully in jail, my dear.

I live with Angel she's a roadhouse queen
I reside with my partner Angel, who is highly regarded by those who frequent roadhouses.

Makes Texas Ruby look like Sandra Dee
Angel is incredibly alluring in comparison to others, including famous actresses Texas Ruby and Sandra Dee.

I want to love her but I don't know how
Although I care for Angel, I am unsure how to express true love for her.

I'm at the bottom in the jailhouse now
I am currently at my lowest point in life, imprisoned in jail.

You know the story about the jailhouse rock
There is an infamous song by the name of 'Jailhouse Rock,' and its lyrics often become a reality for those incarcerated.

Go on and do it but just don't get caught
You can take chances and try beating the system, but it is crucial not to get caught in the process.