—Jim Reeves, Jack Rhodes, Dick Reynolds
I once had a mansion and lived in my glory
But now I'm down to my last dime
I once had a sweetheart but I was unfaithful
Oh I've lived a lot in my time
Chorus:
I fought the grim reaper down in the dark valley
I prayed when the sun wouldn't shine
I looked through the bars of that cold, lonely prison
Yes, I've lived a lot in my time
I been a soldier and I've been a rambler
Once thought everything was fine
I hoed in the corn fields I've picked in the cotton
Yes I've lived a lot in my time
Chorus
I walked with our master down in the dark valley
And wonderful peace I did find
Someday I'll journey to Eden's green pastures
Yes I've lived a lot in my time
Chorus
Verse:
| I | IV – I | I | V |
| I | IV – I | I – V | I |
Chorus:
| IV | I | I | V |
| I | IV – I | I – V | I |