(C) His Stetson was faded and (F) battered and (C) worn
The (F) stubble of his (C) beard showed flecks of gray
His (F) limp was severe ‘cause a (C) leg had been (Am) torn
By a (D) bronc, in his rodeo (G) days
He (C) hung round the chutes while we (F) waited to (C) mount
With a (F) vague look of (C) longing in his eyes
He (F) spoke very few words but (C) he made ''em (Am) count
He was (C) broken, for-(G)-gotten but (C) wise

Chorus
He said (Am) life''s is just like ridin'' (C) broncs its a (Am) battle
Then he (F) rolled a cigarette with shaky (G) hands
See son (F) I''d gladly take ten (C) seconds in the (Am) saddle
For a (F) lifetime of (G) watching from the (C) stands

Instrumental: Same as at the start

(C) I noticed the cigarette (F) burns on his (C) vest
And the (F) remnants of a (C) dream left in his eyes
The (F) boys said that he could have (C) well been the (Am) best
Had not (D) fate, cheated him, of his (G) prize
Ah but (C) I learned a lesson, that (F) I''d never (C) known
From this (F) guy who''d been (C) busted so bad
It''s (F) better to ride even (C) if you get (Am) throwed
Than to (C) wind up, just (G) wishing you (C) had

Repeat Chorus