G
He was an old-time cowboy, don't you understand?
     
His eyes were sharp as razor blades; his face was leather-tanned
     C       G
His toes were pointed inwards from a-hangin' on a horse
                  D7           G
He was an old philosopher, of course
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He was so thin I swear you coulda used him for a whip
He had to drink a beer to keep his britches on his hips
I knew I had to ask him 'bout the mysteries of life
He spit between his boots and he replied:
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CHORUS
      G                 C              D7              G
It's faster horses -- younger women -- older whiskey -- more money!
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He smiled and all his teeth were covered with tobacco stains
He said "It don't do men no good to pray for peace and rain
'Peace and rain' is just a way of sayin' prosperity
And buffalo chips is all it means to me.

I told him I was a poet; I was searchin' for the truth
I do not care for horses, whiskey, women or the loot
I told him I was a writer; my soul was all afire
He looked at me and said "You are a liar."
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CHORUS (repeat)
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Well, I was disillusioned, if I may say the least
I grabbed him by the collar and I jerked him to his feet
There was something cold and shiny a-layin' by my head
So I started to believe the things he said.

Now my poet days are over, and I'm back to bein' me
As I enjoy the peace and comfort of reality
If my boy ever asks me what it is that I have learned
I think that I will readily affirm:
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CHORUS (repeat twice and fade out....)