Well, I ought to be working in a coal mine
Neck deep in black lung soot
Swinging a pick at that mountain side
Halfway to China, I think I would
Fit right in where the sun don't shine
She's better off alone
Yeah, I ought to be working in a coal mine
Lord knows I'm good at digging holes
Well, I ought to be drilling for that black gold
Swimming in that Texas tea
I could make a killing all on my own
Selling my misfortune to a family
'Cause when I hit rock bottom
The deeper down I go
Yeah, I ought to be drilling for that black gold
Lord knows I'm good at digging holes
Well, I ought to be working for the railroads
Sweat pouring off my back
Hauling away a heavy load
It's a far cry from heaven down a cold steel track
And I can't take her with me
She's better off without
Yeah, I ought to be working for the railroads
Lord knows I'm good at leaving town
When it comes to love I ain't got a clue
What this heart of mine is supposed to do
It tears me up inside what I put her through
Still she won't let go
Well, I ought to make my living in a graveyard
Over my head in dirt
If I had a shovel I'd bury this heart
Six feet down and my last words would be:
"I never meant to hurt you
"I'm better off a ghost"
Yeah, I ought to make my living in a graveyard
Lord knows I'm good at digging holes
Oh, I ought to make my living in a graveyard
Lord knows I'm good at digging holes