Took my last fall in San Diego
Bus headed north, one headed south
I call the farm in Colorado
And I lift a dusty pay phone to my mouth

She says: "Hello"
I say: "It's me, hon
Sorry I stayed away so long
Tell the kids their old man's through with playing rodeo
'Cause if it's alright with you, I'm coming home"

Well, there's silence on the line
She says: "You sure did take your time
But I still need a man for the things a man is good for
You know how it is raising crops and raising kids
Demands a man at least as fit as you are
So come on git on home there's hay that needs a-mowing
A boy that needs a-whipping and a hundred things to do
I hope you've finally found your mind
To leave that rodeo behind
I've spent half my life just waiting here for you"

I guess that now's the time I'd better tell her
"Hon, I've got this old friend that's here with me
He used to be a cowboy and a good one, so they say
But now his legs are crippled, he can't walk, you see
But, hon, you ought to hear him tell his stories
Sing the old songs play the guitar too
I'd really like to show him Colorado
But I thought I'd better leave it up to you"

Well, there's silence on the line
And now I hear her saying
"Babe, I only need a man for the things a man is good for
And you know how it is a place just half this big
Demands a man at least as fit as you are
Put yourself in his place, it be awful hard to face
All the chores and work and nothing he could do
If you want to know my mind leave that rodeo bum behind
Don't waste our time I'm waiting here for you"

Well, crying's just for kids I put down the phone
Fumble with my crutches moving slow
I wish that I was on the bus that's Colorado bound
And I hope weather's nice in Mexico