Cat. #0450 (MFH #643) - As sung by Mr. William Edens, Mont Ne, Arkansas on January 20, 1960
VERSE 1
When all th winter storms are o'er
An' tell th spring's returning
T' go out on th range once't more
My heart is fairli burning
VERSE 2
I'd left th town where I'd long dwelled
Where I'd seen a many a rowe, boys
My horse an' saddle was all my wealth
I was poor but an honest cowboy
VERSE 3
A light clean heart was in my breast
My hands unstained with plunder
An' for th beautiful boundless west
I cheerfully on, did wander
VERSE 4
At length I reached the ole Cimarron
Where little I tried forded
While striding up an' down th banks
I found that I could ford it
VERSE 5
While viewing of that loneli spot
I heard a dreadful loud noise
I heard a couple of pistol shots
I seen two jolly cowboys
VERSE 6
They wore th broad brim white hats of felt
Their limbs of th latest fashions
A brace of pistols in their belts
Which made them look quite dashing
VERSE 7
They wore th gaunlet buckskin belts
Not wore by th common plowboys
At once't I fell in love with them
For I always loved th cowboys
VERSE 8
Their saddles was full style Texas rigs
Half cinches an' tapaderos
Their blue eyes an' their pleasant smile
Told me that they were heros
VERSE 9
Their leggins an' their high boot heels
Their spurs were thick an' rawls, boys
Told me they were no tenderfoots
But they were jolly cowboys
VERSE 10
I spoke to them in an undertone
Saying, we've met quite unexpected
I'm feeling lonesome, here alone
But I know I'll be protected
VERSE 11
I've had a long an' as lonesome trip
An' it's almost sundown now, boys
I'd love to go with you to camp
An' stay alnight with th cowboys
VERSE 12
While seated around th coffee pot
We's singing songs an' conversing
One said to me, I have a strange desire
To ask you a few questions
VERSE 13
What brought you out this way, my friend
Th truth come tell me, now boy
I answered him, I've come to spend
One year on the range with th cowboys
VERSE 14
An' as he raised his hat, so white
He exposed a noble brow, boys
VERSE 15
What brought you out this way, my friend
A playing th part of a rover
An' if you chance to meet that girl
Tell me, do you still love her
VERSE 16
I'd loved 'er once't with all'a my heart
An' I dearly love 'er now, boys
An' if we chance't t' meet, we never would part
Though she run away with th cowboys
VERSE 17
He offered me his hands, so white
Saying, I will forget you never
Your dear old girl, you can see this night
For she is your trued lover
VERSE 18
He gave his broad brim white hat a whirl
Dark curls fell over his brow, boys
An' there indeed, stood my old girl
With 'er leggins on like a cowboy