The cattle were bedded down on the hill
It was a peaceful sight that I saw
The winter moon hung high in the sky
Casting shadows on the side of the draw.

The Christmas lights on the ranch house below
Sparked a thought of a night gone by
When shepherds watching over their flocks
Heard the message from the sky.

I stopped and looked at the stars above
And listened where all was quiet
Then into my heart came the message
The angels delivered that night.

I stepped from my saddle, whispering aloud
"Shepherds watching over their flocks"
My horse rubbed his head on my shoulder
As he shifted his feet on the rocks.

The horse held his breath as we listened
I could almost hear the heavenly choir
Then the spirit bore witness once again
And burned in my heart like fire.

Yes, the ranchers, herders and cowboys
Who work beneath the wide open sky
Can understand how the shepherds felt
When they heard the voice from on high.

Let the rich and the powerful pity me
Let the city folk think I am strange
My silent prayer shall continue to be
"Lord, thanks for my home on the range".