When The work's All Done This Fall

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