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THE COWBOY (THE DALLAS COUNTY JAIL) Sung by: R.B. Stark Recorded in Miller, AR, 6/25/53 Click here to listen to the original recording The way I coined the money but didn't dress very fine. I rode upon the prairie to learn to rob and steal; Oh, when I'd rob a cowman, how jolly I would feel. I wore a broad-brimmed white hat, rode horses saddled fine. The way I court them pretty girls, you'd better call them mine. I courted them for beauty; my love it were in vain. Oh, they carried me down to Little Rock to wear the ball and chain. Oh, once I had a sweetheart; I loved her, you may bet. They say she's gone back on me, but I must love her yet. She says I am a liar and a cow thief on the trail, But I woke up brokenhearted, all in the county jail. Last night while I was sleeping, I had a pleasant dream; I dreamed I was in Texas, down by some running stream. I dreamed my true love were beside me to go upon my bail, But I woke up brokenhearted, all in the county jail. Oh, when come the jail man about eleven o'clock, A bunch of keys in his hand, some cells to unlock, "Wake up, you downhearted cowboy, for I heard the jury say You're bound for Little Rock, for nine long years to stay." Oh, in come my true love, ten dollars in her hand; "Oh, give this to my Willie, 'tis all that I command. Oh, give this to my Willie, but think of olden times, And never forget the darling one you left so far behind. "May heaven bless you, Willie, wherever you may go; May Satan burn the jury that sent you down below. May Satan burn the jury, but think of olden times, And never forget the darling one you left so far behind." Also found in Randolph, Vol. II, #135, "The Dallas County Jail." |
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All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas Back to the Song Index Back to the Wolf Collection Homepage ©Copyright 2002 Lyon College |