The show was a big one, an olde rodeo

They'd been trying to hire us for a few years or so

The grandstand was bursting, the infield was full

They'd run all the chucks and they'd bucked all the bulls


I felt stiff in the saddle, had been a year since I'd rode

And I'd never been on him save an afternoon lope

But this was the last thing on my tortured mind

As I put heels to belly and my band played the time


He was a big sorrel gelding with a golden streaked mane

A silver mounted saddle and hand braided reins

He had one blue eye that was clear like the rain

But the horse I rode in on felt none of my pain


Well we made quite an entrance in show business style

And twelve thousand people all witnessed my smile

But you were not there among them I'm sorry to say

As I rode through the crowd toward the big outdoor stage


If my pony was skittish with all the people around

And if he spooked just a little when the spotlight shone down

It's nothing compared to the heart break and pain

That come with a love that has withered in vain


So we played through the show and like I always do

I sang every one of the love songs for you

Then I climbed right back on him and I spurred him away

And as the cheers and the dust from the arena did fade

I didn't feel like no cowboy anymore, anyway