When the Work's All Done This Fall

A group of jolly cowboys discussing plans at ease

Said one, I'll tell you somethin' boys if you will listen, please

I'm an old cow puncher, and here, I'm dressed in rags

I used to be a tough one and go on great big jags



I have got a home, boys, a good one you all know

Although I haven't seen it since long, long ago

I'm goin' back to Dixie once more to see them all

I'm goin' home to Mother when the work's all done this fall



That night this very cowboy went out to stand his guard

The night was dark and stormy, was rainin' very hard

The cattle they got frightened and they rushed in wild stampede

The cowboy tried to turn them while ridin' at full speed



Ridin' in the darkness, loudly he did shout

Tryin' his best to stop them or turn the herd about

His saddle horse did stumble and upon him it did fall

Poor boy won't see his Mother when the work's all done this fall



Fred, you take my saddle, Jim, you take my bed

Johnny, take my pistol after I am dead

Think about me kindly as you look upon them all

I'll not see my Mother when the work's all done this fall



They buried Charlie at daybreak no tombstone at his head

Nothin' but a little board and this is what it said

Charlie died at daybreak, he died from a fall

Poor boy won't see his Mother when the work's all done this fall