When The work's All Done This Fall Lyrics

Combined versions from Norman Blake and Doc Watson

A group of jolly cowboys discussing plans at ease
Said one I'll tell you something, boys, 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 and go on great big jags

Once I had a home, boys, and a good one you all know
Though I haven't seen it since long long years ago
I'm going back to Dixie once more to see'em all
Yes, I am going home, boys, when the work's all done this fall

Now when I left my home, boys, my Mother for me cried
She begged me not to go, boys, for me she would have died
My Mother's heart is breaking
I've broken it that's all
But with God's help I'll see her when the work's all done this fall

When the roundup days are over and the shipping all is done
I'm going right straight home, boys, before my money's gone
I have changed my way, boys, no more will I fall
Yes, I am going home, boys, when the work's all done this fall

That very night the cowboy went out to stand his guard
The night was dark and cloudy and storming very hard
The cattle they got frightened and rushed in wild stampeed
The cowboy tried to turn them while riding at full speed

While riding in the darkness alone, he did shout
He did his best to head them and turn the herd about
His saddle horse did stumble and on him he did fall
He'll not see his Mother when the work's all done this fall

Boys, send my Mother my wages--the wages I have earned
Cause I am afraid, boys, my last steer I have turned
I'm going to a new range. I hear my Master's call
Yes, I am going home, boys, when the work's all done this fall

Fred, you take my saddle. Jim, you take my bed
Johnny, take my pistol after I am dead
Think about me kindly as you look upon them all
I'll not see my Mother when the work's all done this fall

Charlie was burried at sunrise. No toombstone at his head
Nothing but a thin board, and this is what it said
"poor Charlie died at daybreak. He died from a fall
He'll not see his Mother when the work's all done this fall

Submitted by Dennis Smith, Oak Ridge, NC

Marty Robbins - Under Western Skies

Oct 1995

1. Cool Water
2. In The Valley
3. Running Gun
4. The Master's Call
5. The Little Green Valley
6. A Hundred And Sixty Acres
7. Billy The Kid
8. The Strawberry Roan
9. They're Hanging Me Tonight
10. Utah Carol
11. She Was Young And She Was Pretty
12. Little Joe, The Wrangler
13. I've Got No Use For The Women
14. Billy Venero
15. This Peaceful Sod
16. Five Brothers
17. San Angelo
18. Jimmy Martinez
19. Ghost Train
20. Song Of The Bandit
21. Wind
22. Prairie Fire
23. My Love
24. The Bend In The River
25. When The work's All Done This Fall
26. Abilene Rose
27. Dusty Winds
28. Old Red
29. Doggone Cowboy
30. Small Man
31. The Red Hills Of Utah
32. Tall Handsome Stranger
33. The Fastest Gun Around
34. Man Walks Among Us
35. Johnny Fedavo
36. The Cowboy In The Continental Suit
37. I'm Gonna Be A Cowboy
38. Cry Stampede
39. Oh, Virginia
40. Meet Me Tonight In Laredo
41. Take Me Back To The Prairie
42. The Wind Goes
43. An Old Pal, A Real Pal
44. Feleena (From El Paso)
45. Never Tie Me Down
46. Lonely Old Bunkhouse
47. Night Time On The Desert
48. Cottonwood Tree
49. Mister Shorty
50. When It's Lamplighting Time InThe Valley
51. Is there Anything Left I Can Say
52. Waiting In Reno
53. The Mission In Guadalajara
54. Love's Gone Away
55. Bound For Old Mexico
56. Chapel Bell Chime
57. Don't Go Away Senor
58. In The Valley Of The Rio Grande
59. (The Girl With) Gardenias In Her Hair
60. Spanish Lullaby
61. That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine
62. Chant Of The Wanderer
63. (Ghost) Riders In The Sky
64. South Of The Border
65. Sundown (Ballad Of Bill Thaxton)
66. Queen Of The Big Rodeo
67. Ava Maria Morales
68. The Outlaws
69. I'm Kin To The Wind
70. Trail Dreamin'
71. She's Just A Drifter
72. Way Out There
73. The Ballad Of The Small Man
74. Tumbling Tumbleweeds
75. Pride And The Badge
76. All Around Cowboy
77. Restless Cattle
78. The Dreamer