Cat. #1165 (MFH #247) - As sung by O.B. Campbell, Vinita, Oklahoma on August 9, 1971
VERSE 1
When I was a cowboy
I learned to throw th line
I learned to pocket money
But didn't dress much fine
I rose o'er all th prairies
I learned t' rob an steal
An' when I robbed th big cow man
How happy I did feel
An' when I robbed a big cow man
How happy I did feel
VERSE 2
I wore a broad brimed white hat
Rode horse an' saddle, fine
An' when I courted a pretty girl
You bet, I called her mine
I courted her for beauty
For love it was in vain
O, they sent me to Huntsville
T' wear th ball an' chain
O, they sent me to Huntsville
To wear th ball an' chain
VERSE 3
One night as I lay sleeping
I had a pleasant dream
I dreamed I was in ole Missouri
Down by a running stream
My sweetheart there beside me
Had come to go my bail
An' I woke up broken hearted
In th Dallas County jail
An' I woke up broken hearted
In th Dallas County jail
VERSE 4
Then in came th jailer
About a-eleven a-clock
A bunch of keys in his hand
My cell door to unlock
Saying, cheer you up my prisoner
For I heard th jury say
That you were bound for Huntsville
For ten long years, to stay
That you were bound for Huntsville
For ten long years to stay
VERSE 5
Then, in came my true love
Ten dollars in her hand
Saying, give this to my Willie
For it's all that I command
Saying, give this to my cowboy
An' think of olden times
An' never forget th darlin' girl
Ya left so far behind
An' never forget th darlin' girl
Ya left so far behind