There a demon dwells in the shadows
Breathes winter long and tough
Daring a puncher to pack up and quit
Or stick because he hasn't had enough

There a demon casts a long shadow
Each moment a cowboy must choose
Twixt throwing his rope before the darkness
Or face one more wrap and refuse

There a demon hides in that shadow
Waits on a hand not to care
About tying one down needing tending
Or ride on pretending she's not there

There a demon carries his shadow
Until a man becomes what he should
Worth every second he's horseback
Or lost in the dark shadows for good.