Marty Robbins — When the Work’s All Done This Fall

A group of jolly cowboys Discussing plans at ease Said one, "I'll tell you something, boys If you will listen, please" "I am an old cow puncher And here I'm dressed in rags I used to be a tough one And go on great big jags" "Once I had a home, boys And a good one you all know Though I haven't seen it since Long long years ago" "I'm going back to Dixie Once more to see'em all Yes, I am going home, boys When the work's all done this fall" "Now when I left my home, boys My Mother for me cried She begged me not to go, boys For me she would have died" "My mother's heart is breaking I've broken it that's all But with God's help I'll see her When the work's all done this fall" "When the roundup days are over And the shipping all is done I'm going right straight home, boys Before my money's gone" "I have changed my way, boys No more will I fall Yes, I am going home, boys When the work's all done this fall" That very night the cowboy went out To stand his guard The night was dark and cloudy And storming very hard The cattle, they got frightened And rushed in wild stampede The cowboy tried to turn them While riding at full speed While riding in the darkness alone He did shout He did his best to head them And turn the herd about His saddle horse did stumble And on him he did fall He'll not see his mother When the work's all done this fall "Boys, send my Mother my wages The wages I have earned "'Cause I am afraid, boys My last steer I have turned" I'm going to a new range I hear my Master's call Yes, I am going home, boys 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" Charlie was buried at sunrise No tombstone at his head Nothing but a thin board And this is what it said "Poor Charlie died at daybreak He died from a fall He'll not see his mother When the work's all done this fall "