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[Verse 1]
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A band of jolly cowboys were expressing plans at ease
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One said I'll tell you somethin' boys, if you will listen, please
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I am an old cow puncher and the year round dressed in rags
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I used to be a tough'n boys and I'd pick the risky jags

[Verse 2]
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Yes I have a home boys, and a good one you should know
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But boys I haven't seen it since the fall long ago
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I'm a'going back to Dixie and I expect to see'em all
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I'm a'goin to see my mother when the work's all done this fall

[Instrumental]
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[Verse 3]
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When I left my home, boys, my Mother for me cried
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She begged me not to leave her, for me she would have died
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Her poor old heart was breaking breaking for me that's all
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But with God's help I'll see her when the work's all done this fall

[Verse 4]
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That very night old Charlie would have to stand his guard
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The night was dark and cloudy the storm was very hard
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Then the cattle all got frightened and they ran in wild stampede
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He tried his best to turn the herd while riding at full speed

[Verse 5]
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He was riding in the darkness as loudly he did shout
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He did his best to head the leaders and turn the herd about
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Then his saddle horse did stumble and upon him it did fall
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Charlie won't see his Mother boys when the work's all done this fall

[Instrumental]
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[Verse 6]
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Jack, you may have my pistol and Doo you may have my bed
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And Jim you may have my saddle after I am dead
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Please write my Mother gently and tell her of my fall
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For I'll not see my Mother boys when the work's all done this fall

[Verse 7]
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Charlie died at day break, no tombstone at his head
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There was nothing but a wooden slab and this is what it said
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"Charlie died at sunrise. He died from a fall
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He's heading for that better range he heard his Master call