[Verse 1] We rise with the dawn ‘fore the sun paints the sky, Chuckwagon’s a-singin’, the coffee runs high. Hooves thunder the earth like a slow-rolling train, Night riders push onward through wind, dust, and rain. So pull up your boots, let your spurs jingle loud, There’s leather in your hands and your heart’s running proud. Round up the strays from the thorn-covered land— The railroad’s a-callin’ with wages in hand. [Chorus] Ride hard, ride steady, don’t falter, don’t fall, Through dust storms and dry creeks and rough canyon walls. Ain’t no time for turnin’, no road left to stall— We’re burnin’ the trail to the railroad corral! [Verse 2] Sun climbs like fire, the prairie breathes dust, Haze wraps tight ‘round us, but drive on we must. Lips cracked and thirsty, the herd’s movin’ slow, But just past yon ridge lies the creek’s silver flow. So tie down your hat, boy, and swallow your pride, Ain’t no room for weakness out here where we ride. Push ‘em through the scrub, kick the stragglers along, The whistle won’t wait—hear the steel-drivin’ song! [Chorus] Ride hard, ride steady, don’t falter, don’t fall, Through dust storms and dry creeks and rough canyon walls. Ain’t no time for turnin’, no road left to stall— We’re burnin’ the trail to the railroad corral! [Bridge] Wagon wheel’s stuck in the mud-crusted ground, Herds drift like ghosts, but we’ll rally ‘em ‘round. Lariats whisper, the broncos strain tight— One heave, one holler, and we’re back in the fight! [Verse 3] Now the hills lie behind us, the river’s run clear, The rails gleam like promise—the end’s drawin’ near. The steers low in twilight, their journey near done, But ours ain’t over ‘til the last dollar’s won. So shake off the dirt, take your pay in the light, Toast to the trail, to the stars and the fight. Tomorrow’s a new road, but tonight we stand tall— Town’s burnin’ bright by the railroad corral! [Outro Chorus] Rode hard, rode steady, we faltered but flew, Through hell’s own high desert and heaven’s sweet blue. The dust settles quiet on stories we’ll tell— Of the wild and the way to the railroad corral! [Final Shout] YEE-HAW!
