A group of jolly cowboys
Discussin' plans at ease
Says one, "I'll tell you somethin', boys
If you will listen, please"
"I am an old cow-puncher
And here I'm dressed in rags
I used to be a tough one
And go on great big jags"
"But now I've got a home, boys
A good one, you all know
Although I have not seen it
Since long, long ago"
"I'm goin' back to Dixie
Once more to see them all
I'm goin' to see my mother
When the work's all done this fall"
That very night this cowboy
Went out to stand his guard
The night was dark and cloudy
And stormin' very hard
The cattle, they got frightened
And rushed in wild stampede
The cowboy tried to head them
While ridin' at full speed
While riding in the darkness
So loudly did he shout
Trying his best to head them
And turn the herd about
His saddle-horse did stumble
And upon him did fall
Poor boy won't see his mother
When the work's all done this fall
Now, Fred, you take my saddle
George, you take my bed
Bill, you take my pistol
After I am dead
Think of me so kindly
When you look upon them all
For I'll not see my mother
When the work's all done this fall
Send my mother my wages
The wages I have earned
For I am afraid, boys
My last year I have turned
I'm goin' to a new range
I hear my Master's call
And I'll not see my mother
When the work's all done this fall
Poor Charlie was buried at sunrise
No tombstone at his head
Nothin' but a little board
And this is what it said:
"Charlie died at daybreak
He died from a fall
And he'll not see his mother
When the work's all done this fall"