Old-Time Cowboy Songs - Softcover

Cannon, Hal

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0879053089 ISBN 13: 9780879053086

Publisher: Gibbs-Smith Publisher / Peregrin Smith Books, 1988

More than fifty well-loved songs of pioneers, plainsmen, and cowpunchers are gathered in this book, which includes melody lines, guitar chords, and complete lyrics to each song. This collection presents the oldest, most original version of each song. Most were composed between 1880 and 1930. Warm and spirited, these songs vividly depict the rugged strength of western people and the haunting beauty of the western landscape.

Hal Cannon, former director of the Western Folklife Center and musician in the Bunkhouse Orchestra, has included an introduction about the history of cowboy songs.

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About the Author:

Hal Cannon was the first director of the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada, and founder of the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering. He lives in Salt Lake City.

The Bravest Cowboy

Some of the best cowboy songs were recorded by southern musicians in the 1930s and '40s. This one we learned from the legendary North Carolina fiddler, Tommy jarrell.

I am the bravest cowboy that ever roamed the West. I been all over the Rockies, I got bullets in my breast.

In eighteen hundred and sixty three I joined the immigrant band. We marched from San Antonio Down by the Rio Grande. When I was on the prairie I learned to toe the line, I learned to pocket money, But I did not dress much fine.

When I was on the prairie I learned to rob and steal, and When I robbed that cowboy How happy I did feel.

I wore a broad brimmed white hat And my saddle too was fine, And when I'd court them pretty girls You bet I called 'em mine.

I courted her for beauty, But for love it was in vain, 'Cuz they carried me down to Dallas To wear the ball and chain.

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