What Have You Got to Lose

(Tom T. Hall)

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 drinking 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 have you got to lose
What have you got to lose
Try women and booze and the cigarette blues
What have you got to lose?

Well, I've been in some towns with some high rolling 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 crying for a honky tonk
You can't get a tear in edgewise.

What have you got to lose
What have you got to lose
Try women and booze and the cigarette blues
What have you got to lose?

--- Instrumental ---

Now an old country boy just can't sit on the porch
And watch while the world's going by
Now se's got to be part of some social endeavor
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 half way to hell
About half way back home around noon.

What have you got to lose
What have you got to lose
Try women and booze and the cigarette blues
What have you got to lose?

What have you got to lose
What have you got to lose
Try women and booze and the cigarette blues
What have you got to lose?...