He was an oldtime cowboy
Don't you understand
His eyes were sharp
as razor blades
His face was leather tanned
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 save 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
And said you are a liar
Son 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 somethin' 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 bein' 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
Son 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
Faster horses
Younger women
Older whiskey