The cowboy had to guard against predators, straying cattle, and stampedes at night.
For his hard and dirty work, the typical cowboy’s pay was slight
The work of riding, roping, and herding meant long days and nights in the saddle
when round-ups and trail drives were over, the challenge was staying out of barroom battles
The cowboy competed by racing horses, performing rope tricks determining who was the most skilled.
They leaped from horses to wrestle down steers, hoping not to be killed
It was hard work, dangerous, grueling, at times, hard to stay awake
Riding at the back of the trail added a heaping helping of dust, bugs, and snakes
Whether a rancher or a ranch hand,
He was the master of his life plans
His saddle and bedroll were his home
His place was wherever he chose to roam
His dog was his best friend
The first in line always ready to defend
The willingness to get up after hitting the ground
Dust yourself off, mount back up without a sound
That’s what a Cowboys life is about
Living life in the saddle without any doubts
