Standard (EADGBE)

I lived with my momma 'til I was sixteen

 Old time religion, the sweetest of dreams

 And now that I'm aging my conscience is dimmed

 In my left hand the Bible, in my right hand an old purple tin

 I went to the doctor 'cause I was unwell

 He said 'My boy, you all shot to hell.

 I'm gon' write you a prescription for some pure heroin'

 But I traded that succour for a six pack of that old purple tin

Chorus

 The old purple tin, the old purple tin

 Sweet testament Lord to the state that I'm in

 I've drunk it all day and I've drunk it all night

 The old purple tin, Oh Lord, lights up my life

 I am in prison, the light never shines

 I can't see my Bible so dark is the night

 I'm waiting for letters that never get sent

 All my brothers and sisters on the corner with that old purple tin

Chorus

 The old purple tin, the old purple tin

 Sweet testament Lord (sweet nine percent Lord) to the state that I'm in

 I've drunk it all day and I've drunk it all night

 The old purple tin, Oh Lord, lights up my life

 The old purple tin, Oh Lord, lights up my life