Classic Poem

1

I started on the trail on June twenty-third,
I been punchin' Texas cattle on the Lone Star trail;
Singin' Ki yi yippi yappi yay, yappi yay!
Singin' Ki yi yippi yappi yay!

2

It's cloudy in the west, a-lookin' like rain,
And my damned old slicker's in the wagon again;
Singin' Ki yi yippi, etc.

3

My slicker's in the wagon, and I'm gettin' mighty cold,
And these long-horned sons-o'-guns are gettin' hard to hold;
Singin' Ki yi yippi, etc.

4

I'm up in the mornin' before daylight,
And before I sleep the moon shines bright.

5

Oh it's bacon and beans 'most every day,
I'd as soon be a-eatin' prairie hay.

6

I went up to the boss to draw my roll,
He had it figgered out I was nine dollars in the hole.

7

I'll drive them cattle to the top of the hill,
I'll kiss that gal, gol darn I will.

8

My seat is in the saddle and my hand is on the horn,
I'm the best dam cowboy ever was born.

9

My hand is on the horn and my seat is in the saddle,
I'm the best dam cowboy that ever punched cattle.

10

My feet are in the stirrups and my rope is on the side,
Show me a hoss that I can't ride.

11

I herded and I hollered and I done very well,
Till the boss said, " Boys, just let 'em go to hell. "

12

Stray in the herd and the boss said kill it,
So I shot him in the rump with the handle of the skillet.

13

I went up to the boss and we had a little chat,
I slapped him in the face with my big slouch hat.

14

O the boss says to me, " I'll fire you,
Not only you, but the whole dam crew. "

15

I got a gal, prettiest gal y'u ever saw,
And she lives on the bank of the Deep Cedar Draw.

16

I'll sell my outfit just as soon as I can;
I won't punch cattle for no dam man.

17

Goin' back to town to draw my money,
Goin' back home to see my honey.

18

Well, I'll sell my saddle and I'll buy me a plow
And I'll swear begad, I'll never rope another cow.

19

With my knees in the saddle and my seat in the sky,
I'll quit punching cows in the sweet by and by.