I wrote this song many years ago, but was inspired to post it here and share it with you after reading Kay Lee's wonderful poem "The Cowboy."

Boot Hill Bound

Saddle weary and tired he rode into town,
Spurs black with tarnish, his hat brim drooped down.
A haggard old Cayuse he tied up at the rail;
Red eyes roamed the streets as he strode t’wards the jail.

Sheriff looked up from his pipe with a frown;
Said: “Stranger, who are you? What brings you around?”
An old wanted poster he pulled from his shirt
“I reckon’ this’ll explain. Take my guns from me, sir.”

Many a cattle drive since last I was young;
Many a trail-driving tune I have sung;
Many’s the time I’ve regretted that day;
When I gunned down the cowboy who got in my way.

I see here a young man, not like you at all;
An’ surely you don’t think you look six feet tall?
Your hair’s gray, not auburn an’ your eyes sure ain’t blue;
I don’t know your name, but this picture ain’t you.

So climb on that saddle - ride out of here now!
Don’t look back - forget that you came – why and how!
I know you believe that you were Boot Hill bound,
But you’ve suffered enough – turn your pony around.

Many a cattle drive since last he was young;
Many a trail-driving song he had sung;
Many’s the time he ‘d regretted the day;
When he gunned down the cowboy who’d got in his way.

1984 Columbus, Nebraska