OLD SHOWBOAT
(Marijohn Wilkin / Fred Burch)


Stonewall Jackson - 1963


I blew into Dallas feelin' kinda low
Thought I'd make me a bit of change at the rodeo
Heard the line boss sayin' you o'nery cowpokes
Fifteen bales to any man who can ride Showboat
(Who can ride Showboat)

Showboat, you old cuss
I'm gonna ride you or I'll bust
Hold the reins, watch the change
Turn him loose, that cayuse I'm gonna ride

They put me in the saddle, the reins were in my hand
Then I saw her sittin' there a-watchin' from the stands
She was kinda pretty, a blonde with big blue eyes
I could see it hurt her so to see me have to ride
(See me have to ride)

Showboat, that old cuss
I'm gonna ride him or I'll bust
Hold the reins, watch the change
Turn him loose, that cayuse I'm gonna ride

He bucked me once a-runnin', then he looked me in the eye
I slid down around his neck reachin' for the sky
Then he sent me flyin' like a little bird
Lord, I think when I came down I ate ten pounds of dirt
(Ate ten pounds of dirt)

Showboat, you old cuss
I'm gonna ride you or I'll bust
Hold the reins, ain't it a shame
That cayuse done throwed me loose and broke my leg

I woke up in the General, feelin' kinda hurt
Till I found that blue eyed blonde turned out to be my nurse
She fixed me up with patches and love I thought was free
Till she said, "Now cowboy, you're gonna marry me"
(Gonna marry me)

Showboat, you old cuss
You done fixed me up much worse
Hold the reins, ain't it a shame
I'm getting married and old Showboat you're to blame
I'm getting married and old Showboat you're to blame
I'm getting married and old Showboat you're to blame







(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - August 2011)