Collected by Mary Shand Transcribed by M. C. Parler
James Turner Elkins, Ark. September 30, 1963
Reel 423, Item 7
The Old Cowpuncher (When the Work's All Done this Fall)
I am an old cowpuncher,
Although I'm dressed in rags,
I used to be a brave one And take on great big gags.
When I left my happy home, boys,
My mother she did cry,
And for her rambling boy-ee For me she would have died.
Now, boys, I got a home in Dixie,
She's a real one too, you know,
But, boys, I have not seen it Since long long years ago.
I'm going back to Dixie,
I'm going to see them all,
I'm a-going to see my mother When the work she's done this fall.
This very night that cowboy Rode out to stand his guard,
The wind was blowing fiercely And the storm was raging hard.
The cattle got excited,
And run a wild stampede,
This cowboy done his best to herd them While riding at full speed.
While riding around that big wild herd, Through the darkness and the rain Said, How that boy did shout,
He done his best to herd them And turn the herd about.
The cowboy's horse did stumble And on the boy did fall,
He'll not go see his mother When the work she's done this fall.
The cowboys gently picked him up,
They laid hin on the bed,
The crowd they gathered around hin And they thought that he was dead.
ContinuedWhen the Work's All Done this Fall
Reel 423, Item 7
Continued
He opened wide them big blue eyes,
A-gazing all around,
Says, Boys, I'm a-going to leave you,
I'm going to leave you now.
George, you take my saddle,
And, Ted, you take my bed,
And, Bill, you take my pistol,
Says, after I am dead.
You send my mother my wages,
And send her what I've I've earned,
For my round-up days is over,
My work on earth all done I'll not go see my mother When the work is done this fall.
