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When the Works All Done This Fall
A group of jolly cowboys discussing plans at ease,
Says one: "I'll tell you something, if you will listen please;
I am an old cowpuncher and here I'm dressed in rags,
And I used to be a tough one and take on great big jags.
"But I have got a home, boys, a good one you all
know;
Although I have not seen it since long, long ago.
I'm going back home, boys, once more to see them all;
Yes, I'm going to see my mother when the works all done this fall.
"When I left home, boys, my mother for me
cried,
Begged me not to go, boys, for me she would have died;
My mothers heart is breaking, breaking for me that's all
And with Gods help I'll see her when the works all done this fall.
That very night this cowboy went out to stand his
guard;
The night was dark and cloudy, and storming very hard;
The cattle they got frightened, and rushed in wild stampede,
The cowboy tried to head them, riding at full speed.
While riding in the darkness so loudly he did shout,
Trying his best to beat them and turn the herd about;
His saddle horse did stumble, and on him did fall;
The poor boy won't see his mother when the works all done this fall.
They picked him up so gently and laid him on a bed;
His body was so mangled the boys all thought him dead;
He opened wide his blue eyes and looking all around,
He motioned to his comrades to sit near him on the ground.
"Boys, send my mother my wages, the wages I have
earned,
For I am afraid, boys, my last steer I have turned.
I am headed for a new range, I hear my Master call,
And I'll not wee my mother when the works all done this fall.
"Fred, you take my saddle; George you take my
bed;
Bill you take my pistol after I am dead.
And think upon me kindly when you look upon them all,
For I'll not see my mother when the works all done this fall."
Charlie was buried at sunrise, no tombstone at his
head,
Nothing but a little board, and this is what it said:
"Charlie died at daybreak, he died from a fall,
And he'll not see his mother when the works all done this fall."
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