Hundred years of history hundred 'fore that
Gathered up thinking goin' on 'neath his hat
Back behind eyeballs, pumpin' through veins
Ghosts of cowboy who's ever held reins.

Coils in rope thrown tons 'a times
Concentration's been distilled 'n ancient minds
Evolution workin' , silver scratches hide
Ghostly cowboy chorus says "let's ride!"

Famous,rowdy, savage, sane
Bluebloods , hot bloods, corriente strain
Knowin' granny or dad's kin
Purt near cowboy, born to ride n' win.

Buffalo Bill Cody n' Goodnight's jigger boss
Brave blue soldiers General Custer lost
Ghosts of Pancho Villa, Sittin' Bull, Jesse James
Gathered at campfire keepin' score, takin' names.

Ever' Royal Mountie ever got his man
Ever' work day cowboy ever made a hand
Ever' man rode before him, ever' mama's son
In his corner rootin', he nods to make a run.

Freckles Brown pullin' bull rope,Casey Tibbs jerkin' flank
Bill Picket's hazin' turnin' crank
Remington and Russell lookin' down buckhorn sight
Watchin' through windows of cowboys' eyes tonight.

Standin' in catch pen 'r chute number nine
Offspring of mountain, down from olden time
Volcano watchin' quiet, 'til he climbs upon his back
Rumblin' like engines of freight trains on track.

Cross 'tween a she-bear and a bad four wheel drive
Fury of an eagle when it makes a power dive
Snake losin' caution, badger gone berserk
Screamin' stompin', clawin', rabid mad dog piece of work.

Rollers in the nostrils, foam upon the lips
Hooves like granite, horns with dagger tips
Flat back starin' shark's eye, mirror of his soul
Shines challenge to each cowboy like Satan callin' roll.

Seconds tickin' slowly, climbs on his back
Cowboy facin' fear, makes mouth go slack
Cuts guts to ribbons, givin' tongue a coat
Swallows back panic gorge risin' in his throat.

Scent of hot blue copper fills air n' his head
Solid shiver shakes doubt n' dread
Cold flames burns in 'til skin's cold's ice
Dues paid gettin' there, worth ever' sacrifice.

Miles spent sleepy drivin', money down the drain
"If I's", "nearlys", bandages, pain
Female tears left drying, fever and the fight
Jest a small down payment on the ride he makes tonight.

Pardner in madness, cowboys call a game
Ton of buckin' thunder, provin' why he came
Cowboys never waver, intends to do his best
Durn widow maker's he expects of him no less.

Solemn silent moment ever' rider knows
Time stops on heartbeat like earth was froze
'Til ancient instinct fills up his ears
Whispers of phantoms the only thing he hears.

Gettin' down to cuttin', leather touches hide
Nuttin' left thinkin' about, nods and says "Outside!"
Frozen for an instant against warm gate
Is history turned to flesh and blood, warrior incarnate.

Posin' like statues in flicker of eye
Somethin' almost sacred, you'll see it if ya try
Guts, love, glory, mortal's chance at fame
His legacy is rodeo and Cowboy's his name.