Faster Horses (The Cowboy And The Poet) - Tom T. Hall

He was an old-time cowboy, don’t you understand

His eyes were sharp as razor blades

His face was leather tan

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,

«Son, it’s faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, 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 say 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 an' he said, «You are a liar.»

«Son, it’s faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, 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 something 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 being 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, more money.

«(repeat as song fades)