Me and my uncle went riding down

South Colorado, West Texas bound

We stopped over in Santa Fe

That being the point just about half way

And you know it was the hottest part of the day

I took the horses up to the stall

Went to the bar-room, ordered drinks for all

Three days in the saddle, you know my body hurt

It being summer, I took off my shirt

And I tried to wash off some of that dusty dirt (note 1)

West Texas cowboys, they's all around

With liquor and money, they're loaded down

So soon after pay day, you know it seemed a shame

You know my uncle, he starts a friendly game

High-Low Jacks and the winner take the hand (note 2)

My uncle starts winning, cowboys got sore

One of them called him, and then two more

Accused him of cheating, well no it couldn't be

I know my uncle, he's as honest as me

And I'm as honest as a Denver man can be

One of them cowboys, he starts to draw

Well I shot him down, Lord, he never saw (note 3)

Shot me another, hot damn he won't grow old (note 4)

In the confusion my uncle grabbed the gold

And we high-tailed it down to Mexico

Now I love those cowboys, I love their gold

I love my uncle, God rest his soul

Taught me good, Lord, taught me all I know

Taught me so well, I grabbed that gold

And I left his dead ass there by the side of the road