See The Elephant - James McMurtry

I saw Pete and Johnny too

Dressed up in their Sunday suits

Getting themselves all up to go

Down to Richmond to the traveling show

I fixed the gate like you told me to Done my chores like I always do And I won’t tell mama you let me go Down to Richmond to the traveling show

Please Papa can I go Down to Richmond to the traveling show

Please Papa don’t you say I can’t

I just want to see the elephant

I’ll borrow the truck from uncle Phil

You know I can drive it well

He won’t need it now that the hay’s all in Just let me go and see the elephant

Sister she can’t go with me This is not for her to see

Little brother you’ll get your chance

To go down and see the elephant

Little brother you’ll get your chance

To go down and see the elephant

They’re looking for a few good men

Could be war by summer’s end

Sure would hate it if I went

And never got to see the elephant

I saw Pete and Johnny too

Dressed up in their Navy Blues

Gettin' themselves all up to go

Down to Richmond to the traveling show