A group of jolly cowboys discuss their plans at ease
Says one I'll tell you something, 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, I'd go out on big jags
But I have a home, boys, a good one you all know
But I have not seen it since very long ago
But I am going home, boys, once more to see them all
I'm gonna see my mother when the work is done this fall
After the roundup is over, after the shipping is done
I'm going straight back home, boys, 'fore all my money's gone
My mother's heart is breaking, breaking for me that's all
But with God's help I'll see her when the work is done this fall
That very night this cowboy went out to stand his guard
The night was dark and cloudy, it was storming very hard
The cattle all got frightened and rushed in wild stamped
The cowboy tried to head them while riding at full speed
While riding in the darkness so loudly he did shout
Trying his best to head them and to turn the herd about
His saddle horse did stumble and on him he did fall
And he'll not see his mother when the work is done this fall
They picked him up so gently and laid him on the bed
The boy he was so mangled they though that he was dead
He opened up his blue eyes and looking all around
He motioned for his comrades to sit near on the ground
Now send my mother my wages, the wages that I've earned
For I am so afraid, boys, the last steer I have turned
I'm going to a new range, I hear my Master's call
And I'm not seeing my mother when the work is done this fall
Now Steve you take my saddle and Bob you take my bed
And Paw you take my pistol after I am dead
Then think about me kindly when you look upon them all
For I'll not see my mother when the work is done this fall
Poor Charlie died at daybreak, he died from a fall
And he'll not see his mother when the work is done this fall