When The Work's All Done This Fall Lyrics - Marty Robbins

Combined versions from Norman Blake and Doc Watson 

A group of jolly cowboys discussing plans at ease 

Said one I'll tell you something, boys, if you will listen, please 

I am an old cow puncher and here I'm dressed in rags 

I used to be a tough one and go on great big jags 

Once I had a home, boys, and a good one you all know 

Though I haven't seen it since long long years ago 

I'm going back to Dixie once more to see'em all 

Yes, I am going home, boys, when the work's all done this fall 

Now when I left my home, boys, my Mother for me cried 

She begged me not to go, boys, for me she would have died 

My Mother's heart is breaking 

I've broken it that's all 

But with God's help I'll see her when the work's all done this fall 

When the roundup days are over and the shipping all is done 

I'm going right straight home, boys, before my money's gone 

I have changed my way, boys, no more will I fall 

Yes, I am going home, boys, when the work's all done this fall 

That very night the cowboy went out to stand his guard 

The night was dark and cloudy and storming very hard 

The cattle they got frightened and rushed in wild stampeed 

The cowboy tried to turn them while riding at full speed 

While riding in the darkness alone, he did shout 

He did his best to head them and turn the herd about 

His saddle horse did stumble and on him he did fall 

He'll not see his Mother when the work's all done this fall 

Boys, send my Mother my wages--the wages I have earned 

Cause I am afraid, boys, my last steer I have turned 

I'm going to a new range. I hear my Master's call 

Yes, I am going home, boys, when the work's all done this fall 

Fred, you take my saddle. Jim, you take my bed 

Johnny, take my pistol after I am dead 

Think about me kindly as you look upon them all 

I'll not see my Mother when the work's all done this fall 

Charlie was burried at sunrise. No toombstone at his head 

Nothing but a thin board, and this is what it said 

"poor Charlie died at daybreak. He died from a fall 

He'll not see his Mother when the work's all done this fall 

Submitted by Dennis Smith, Oak Ridge, NC