The Songs He Sang
Dying Cowboy: Lyrics
As performed by Cisco Houston
Traditional
Appears on:Oh bury me not on the lone prairie These words came low and mournfully From the pouted lips of a youth who lay On his dying bed at the close of day Oh bury me not on the lone prairie Where the coyote howls and the wind blows free In a narrow grave just six by three Bury me not on the lone prairie It matters not I’ve oft been told Where the body lies when the heart grows cold Yet grant oh grant this wish to me Bury me not on the lone prairie Oh bury me not on the lone prairie Where the coyote howls and the wind blows free In a narrow grave just six by three Oh bury me not on the lone prairie He wailed in pain and o'er his brow Death's shadows fast were gathering now He thought of his friends and his home but nigh As the cowboys gathered to see him die Oh bury me not on the lone prairie These words came low and mournfully From the pouted lips of a youth who lay On his dying bed at the close of day We took no heed of his dying prayer In a narrow grave we buried him there In a narrow grave just six by three We buried him there on the lone prairie Oh bury me not on the lone prairie Where the coyote howls and the wind blows free In a narrow grave just six by three Oh bury me not on the lone prairie
Of note:
Sad and slow, with beautiful guitar picking, this is a wonderful performance. Cisco's voice seems to grow in confidence with his unusual, stuttering tempo. With many verses to choose from, he keeps it simple and repetitive, a sorrowful dirge that captures loss and disappointment.
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