I rolled out with the sunrise, threw another log to flame Heard somebody call my name, though nobody ever came. The ashes held fresh boot prints where no man crossed last night, So I poured another cup and watched them fade with morning light. Oh, the Weird Weird West rolls on, From the break of day till dusk. Where the wind knows every secret, And the dust forgets your trust. I just tighten up my saddle, Point my horse where trails are blessed. Ain't much left to puzzle me In the Weird Weird West. Passed the widow Parker's cabin—she's been buried seven years. Smoke was driftin' from the chimney just like every fall appears. Some folks wave when they ride by; I simply tip my hat. She's always been a decent neighbor. Nothing stranger than that. Stopped in Dry Creek for supplies before the daylight died. Nobody spoke above a whisper since the preacher's boy arrived. He came back after hanging, still wearing hemp around his throat. Helps the blacksmith shoe the horses, keeps the church in decent order. Oh, the Weird Weird West rolls on, Where the coyotes don't all howl. Some just sit beside the campfire, Quiet as an old barn owl. I just feed 'em scraps of supper; They've got farther walks than most. Everybody's got to eat— Even if they're mostly ghost. There's trails a map won't mention. There's wells a man won't drain. There's names you leave unspoken When the thunder brings no rain. You learn a few small habits If you aim to grow old out here: Don't whistle after sundown, And don't answer what ain't near. Headed home beneath a moon that looked too large and red. Saw three riders on the ridge where everyone was dead. They nodded as they passed me; I returned the courtesy. Folks are folks, no matter where the good Lord lets 'em be. Oh, the Weird Weird West rolls on, Same as it always has. Some men chase the gold out here; Some get buried where they stand. Me, I ride till daylight leaves me, Same old trail, same old quest. Nothin' much can surprise a man In the Weird Weird West. No... not after all these years. In the Weird Weird West.
