FASTER HORSES (THE COWBOY AND THE POET)
(Hall)
Tom T. Hall - 1975


He was an old-time cowboy, don't you understand His eyes were sharp 
as razor blades his face was leather tan His toes were pointed inward 
from a-hangin' on a horse He was an old philosopher, of course
He was so thin I swear you could have 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 
about the mysteries of life He spit between his boots and he replied

"It's faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money"

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 to say prosperity, And buffalo chips is all it 
means to me."

I told him I was a poet, I was lookin' for the truth I do not care 
for horses, whiskey, women or the loot I said I was a writer, my soul 
was all on fire He looked at me an' he said, "You are a liar."

"It's faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money"

Well, I was disillusioned, if I say the least I grabbed him by the 
collar and I jerked him to his feet There was something cold and 
shiny layin' by my head So I started to believe the things he said

Well, my poet days are over and I'm back to being 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

"It's faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money" 
"Faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money" 
"Faster horses, younger women, Older whiskey, and more money"