I was travelin' West of Buckskin
On my way to a cattle run
'Cross a little cactus desert
Under a hot blistering sun
I was thirsty down to my toenails
Stopped to rest me on a stump
But I tell ya I just couldn't believe it
When I saw that water pump
I took it to be a mirage at first
It'll fool a thirsty man
Then I saw a note
Stuck in a bakin' powder can
This pump is old
The note began, but she works
So give'er a try
I put a new sucker washer in 'er
You may find the leather dry
You've got to prime the pump
You must have faith and believe
You've got to give of yourself
'Fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold
Wash your face, cool your feet
But leave the bottle full for others
Thank you kindly, Desert Pete
Yeah, you'll have to prime the pump
Work that handle like there's a fire
Under the rock you'll find some water
I left there in a bitter's jar
Now there's just enough to prime it with
So don't you go drinkin' first
You just pour it in and pump like mad and
Buddy, you'll quench your thirst
You've got to prime the pump
You must have faith and believe
You've got to give of yourself
'Fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold
Wash your face, cool your feet
But leave the bottle full for others
Thank you kindly, Desert Pete
Well, I found the jar, and I tell you,
Nothin' was ever prettier to my eye
And I was tempted strong to drink it
'Cause that pump looked mighty dry
But the note went on
Have faith, my friend
There's water down below
You've got to give until you get
I'm the one who ought to know
So I poured in the jar and started pumpin'
And I heard a beautiful sound of water bubblin' 'n' splashin'
Up out of that hole in the ground
I took off my shoes and drunk my fill
Of that cold refreshin' treat
I thanked the Lord
And I thanked the pump
And I thanked old Desert Pete
You've got to prime the pump
You must have faith and believe
You've got to give of yourself
'Fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold
Wash your face, cool your feet
But leave the bottle full for others
Thank you kindly, Desert Pete
Drink all the water you can hold
Wash your face, cool your feet
But leave the bottle full for others
Thank you kindly, Desert Pete