G 
He was an old-time cowboy, don't you understand? 
      
His eyes were sharp as razor blades; his face was leather-tanned 
     C       G 
His toes were pointed inwards from a-hangin' on a horse 
                  D7           G 
He was an old philosopher, of course 

He was so thin I swear you coulda used him for a whip 
He had to drink a beer to keep his britches on his hips 
I knew I had to ask him 'bout the mysteries of life 
He spit between his boots and he replied: 
 
Refrão -------------
      G                 C              D7              G 
It's faster horses -- younger women -- older whiskey -- more money!
--------------------
 
He smiled and all his teeth were covered with tobacco stains 
He said "It don't do men no good to pray for peace and rain 
'Peace and rain' is just a way of sayin' prosperity 
And buffalo chips is all it means to me. 
 
I told him I was a poet; I was searchin' for the truth 
I do not care for horses, whiskey, women or the loot 
I told him I was a writer; my soul was all afire 
He looked at me and said "You are a liar." 
 ------------------------------------ 
CHORUS (repeat) 
 ------------------------------------ 
Well, I was disillusioned, if I may say the least 
I grabbed him by the collar and I jerked him to his feet 
There was something cold and shiny a-layin' by my head 
So I started to believe the things he said. 
 
Now my poet days are over, and I'm back to bein' me 
As I enjoy the peace and comfort of reality 
If my boy ever asks me what it is that I have learned 
I think that I will readily affirm: 
 ------------------------------------ 
CHORUS (repeat twice and fade out....)