A jolly group of cowboys, discussing plans and deeds

VoiceColl. by M.C. Parler Mrs.Hattie Wynne Williams Beech Grove, Ark. January 30, 1960 Reel 334, Item 6 When the Work's All Done This Fall A jolly group of cowboys, Discussing plans and deeds, Says one, I'll tell you something, boys, If you will listen please, I am an old cowpuncher Although I'm dressed in rags, I used to be a tough one And take on great big jags. But now I have a home, boys, A good one, you all know, Although I haven't seen it Since long, long ago, I'm going back to Dixie Once more to see them all, Yes, I'm going to see my mother When the works all dome this fall. When the roundups are all over, And after the shipping's done, I'm going straight home, boys, Before my money is gone. My mother's heart is breaking For her wandering boy that's off, And by God's help I'll see her When the work's all done this fall. That very night this cowboy Went out to stand his guard, The night was dark and cloudy And storming very hard, The cattle all got frightened And rushed in wild stampede, The cowboy tried to head them While rushing in full speed. The cowboy's pony stumbled And on that boy did fall, And he'll not see his mother When the work's all done this fall. -more-Reel 334, Item 6 His body was so mingled (sic) The boys all thought him dead, They picked him up so gently And lay him on the bed, He opened wide his blue eyes And looking all around, He motioned for his comrades To come sit near him on the ground. George, you may have my saddle, Bill, you may have my bed, Jack, you may have my pistol, After I am dead. Boys, send my mother my wages, The wages I have earned, For I'll not get to see her The last year I have turned. I am going to a new ranch, I hear the Master call, And I'll not get to see her When the work's all done this fall. They buried him at sun rise, No tombstone at his head, Nothing but a little slab, And this is what it said: Poor Charlie died at daybreak, He died from an awful fall, And he'll not get to see his mother When the work's all done this fall.Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation