| 1. A group of jolly cowboys, discussing plans at ease |
| Says one, I’ll tell you something, boys, if you will listen, please |
| I am an old cow-puncher, you see me dressed in rags |
| I used to be a good one boys, and went on great big jags |
| 2. I have got a home boys, a good one you all know |
| Although I haven’t seen it since very long ago |
| I’m headed back to Dixie once more to see them all |
| I’m going to see my mother when the work’s all done this fall |
| 3. 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 aching, breaking for me, that’s all |
| With God’s help I’ll see her when the work’s all done this fall" |
| Instrumental Break |
| 4. That very night this 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 stampede |
| The cowboy tried to head them while riding at full speed |
| 5. Riding in the darkness, so loudly he did shout |
| Trying hard to head them and turn the herd about |
| His saddle horse did stumble and on him it did fall |
| He’ll not see his mother when the work’s all done this fall |
| Instrumental Break |
| 6. «Send my mother my wages, boys, the wages I have earned |
| I am so afraid, boys, the last steer I have turned |
| I’m headed for a new range, I hear my Master call |
| I’ll not see my mother when the work’s all done this fall |
| 7. Fred, you take my saddle, George, you take my bed |
| Bill, you take my pistol after I am dead |
| Then think of me kindly when you look upon them all |
| I’ll not see my mother when the work’s all done this fall" |
| 8. Charlie was buried at sunrise, no tombstone for his head |
| Nothing but a little board, and this is what it said |
| «Charlie died at daybreak, he died from a fall |
| He’ll not see his mother when the work’s all done this fall» |