When I am buried don't visit my grave
God cannot save me from the sins I've embraced
Pay your respects at that old liquor store
Where I won the battle, but I lost the war.

You mine for silver, and I pan for gold
You keep yours hidden, while all my are sold
You tell the truth, and I lie and I barter
And I drink and I cry, and I pass out at night

I've always cheated, though I've never stolen no
I've wanted things that you ain't never thought of
Pay your respects to that gambling' score
Where I won the battle, and I lost the war

They always told me when death came my sins would be
Cast out forgotten, laid to rest with my body
Pay your respects to that old church-house door
Where I won the battle, and I lost the war.