THE LAZY EIGHT

Oh, I was a bold gunfighter until the day I died.
No rougher, tougher hombre ever on the trail did ride.
But one black day they found me, those marshals chased me down
A 45 spoke sharply and I tumbled to the ground.

I woke and found me walking, a long and dusty road,
My feet were tired and weary, I bore a heavy load.
I came upon a ranch house, and beat upon the door.
It opened kinda sudden, and I passed out on the floor.

The rancher gave me water, fresh clothing and a meal,
He said "If you feel better, I'd like to make a deal.
I'm looking for some cowhands, to take my herd along,
A fair and fitting payment for a life of doing wrong."

So now I am a cowhand, and I ride a horse of light.
The herd is vast in number, it stretches out of sight.
The trail is long and narrow, many dangers lie in wait
For those who drive the cattle marked with the Lazy Eight.

Those cows are mean and ornery, they dearly love to stray
It's tough to keep 'em moving, along the narrow way.
There's rattlers and rustlers, and quicksands all around
And no sign that we'll ever reach the Ranch where we are bound.

But I'll drive this herd forever, don't need no food nor rest,
As I did my worst when living, now I'm dead I'll do my best
To bring them cows in safely 'cross this vast celestial State
Yes, I'm proud to be a cowhand, working for the Lazy Eight.