CHEYENNE (Shy Ann)
(Harry H. Williams / Egbert Van Alstyne)


Billy Murray - 1906




(Indian War Whoops)


Way out in old Wyoming long ago
Where coyotes lurk while night winds howl and blow
A cowboy's lusty voice rang out "Hello"
And echoed through the valley down below
Then came back a maiden's answer sweet and clear
Cowboy tossed his hat up in the air
Said he, "I've come to take you right away from here
Cheyenne they say is miles away, but they've a preacher there"
Then she just drooped her eye, she was so very shy
So shy, oh my!, and then he made reply


Oooh-oooh-oooh
Shy Ann, shy Ann, hop on my pony
There's room here for two, Dear
But after the ceremony
We'll both ride back home, Dear, as one
On my pony from old Cheyenne


(Indian War Whoops)


They rode that night and nearly half the day
Cheyenne was sixty-seven miles away
But when at last they galloped up the street
The cowboy's pride was really hard to beat
On his arm, his future bride a-carrying
But beneath the little church's dome
Said she, "I feel like turning back, not marrying"
His face got red and then he said, "You will or you'll walk home
If you ride back today, you honour and obey"
"I will" she cried, then he was heard to say


Oooh-oooh-oooh
Shy Ann, shy Ann, hop on my pony
There's room here for two, Dear
But after the ceremony
We'll both ride back home, Dear, as one
On my pony from old Cheyenne


(Indian War Whoops)




(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - October 2007)