1. |
A hot wind blew ‘cross
the prairie, a whiff of smoke in the air |
| |
The cattle were restless and wary. The
night riders better take care |
| |
We lost Little Joe and three ponies down
a dry wash early that day |
| |
When a wall of water came sudden, and
swept Big Ed’s best pal away |
| |
|
| chorus |
The campfire was glowing, the cattle were
lowing |
| |
I was weary right down to my soul |
| |
One Lonely Rider watched
our campfire |
| |
Go down to its last burning coal |
| |
Go down to its last burning coal |
| |
|
2. |
Big Ed pulled duty as night hawk. I offered
to stand watch instead |
| |
He said the horses would keep him from
thinking ‘bout Joe being dead |
| |
I bedded down away from the others. My
buckskin was grazing near by |
| |
I listened to him softly breathing as
I watched the firelight die |
| |
|
| chorus |
|
| |
|
| |
Narration: |
3. |
I woke to a shout in the darkness. The
cattle were starting to run |
| |
The top hands scrambled for horses. All
of them bolted but one |
| |
I jumped to the back of my buckskin. There
is one thing that I’ve learned |
| |
If I could catch up to the leaders then
somehow the heard could be turned |
| |
|
4. |
A lone rider came out of nowhere, his
catch rope stiff in his hand |
| |
An angel sent down from heaven, he turned
that whole demon band |
| |
Slowly they circled each other, stopped
and then stood deathly still |
| |
I couldn’t find sign of that rider.
I reckon that I never will |
| |
|
| 2nd chorus |
The campfire's glowing, the cattle are
lowing |
| |
I am weary right down to my soul |
| |
One Lonely Rider watched
our campfire |
| |
Go down to its last burning coal |
| |
|
| coda |
One Lonely Rider watched
our campfire |
| |
Go down to its last burning coal |
|
Go down to its last burning coal |
