You looked for trouble and you found it, son
Straight down the barrel of a lawman’s gun
You’d try to run, but you don’t think you can
You make one move and you’re dead man, friend
I ain’t living long like this
I can’t live at all like this, can I, baby
He slipped the handcuffs on behind my back
Then he left me freezing on a steel rail track
They got ’em all in the jailhouse, ain’t they, baby
I ain’t living long like this
Grew up in Houston, off of Wayside drive
Son of a car hop in some all night dive
Dad drove a stock car to an early death
All I remember was a drunk man’s breath
I ain’t living long like this
I can’t live at all like this, can I, baby
We know the story how the wheel goes ’round
Don’t let ’em take you to the man downtown
Can’t sleep at all in the jailhouse, baby
I ain’t living long like this
You live for Angel, she’s a roadhouse queen
Make Texas Ruby look like Sandra Dee
You want to love her but you don’t know how
You’re at the bottom of the jailhouse now
I ain’t living long like this
I can’t live at all like this, can I, baby
You know the story ’bout the jailhouse rock
Go on and do it, but just don’t get caught
They got ’em all in the jailhouse, ain’t they, baby
I ain’t living long like this
Reckless Roads and Restless Spirits
“I Ain’t Living Long Like This” by Brooks & Dunn is a gripping tale of a life lived on the edge. The lyrics take listeners through the story of a man ensnared by trouble, haunted by his past, and trapped in a cycle of bad decisions. With vivid imagery, the song paints scenes of run-ins with the law, broken family ties, and love found in unlikely places. The refrain, repeated with conviction, reveals a sense of desperation and the realization that a dangerous lifestyle can’t last forever. The narrative blends classic outlaw country themes with raw emotion, drawing listeners into the protagonist’s struggle against fate.
Song Credits
“I Ain’t Living Long Like This” was written by Rodney Crowell. Brooks & Dunn recorded their version for their 2004 album “The Greatest Hits Collection II.” The song was released under the Arista Nashville label.