In the desert where we searched for gold
The days're hot, the nights're cold
Hank and Joe and me walked on
So bold and brave and free
For days and days we fought the heat
I got so thirsty and I got so weak
And when I fell 'cause I couldn't go
I heard Hank say to Joe
He's dyin' (Dyin', dyin')
For water
Hear him cryin' (Cryin', cryin')
For water
Well, lay him down in the dust and sand
He said Joe you know he's a dyin' man
Leave him there and let him die
I can't stand to hear him cry for water
I don't remember how long I lay
But when I awoke it was the break of day
Buzzards circled miles ahead
I knew Hank and Joe were dead
My eyes were dimmed but I could see
A bed of gold nuggets under me
Now I know that it won't be long
Till they decorate my bones
Cause I'm dyin' (Dyin', dyin')
For water
Can't help cryin' (Cryin', cryin')
For water
Well, they laid me down in the dust and sand
He said Joe you know he's a dyin' man
Leave him there and let him die
I can't stand to hear him cry for water
He couldn't stand to hear me cry for water