When the Work's All Done - Johnny Bond/Earl Scruggs

A group of jolly cowboys

Discussing plans at ease

Said one I'll tell you something boys

If you will listen please

I am an old cow puncher

And here I'm dressed in rags

I used to be a tough one

And go on great big jags

Now I got a home boys

And a good one you all know

Though I haven't seen it since

Long long ago

I'm going back to Dixie

Once more to see them all

I am going to see my mother

When the work's all done this fall

That very night the cowboy went out

To stand his guard

The night was dark and cloudy

And storming very hard

The cattle they got frightened

And rushed in wild stampede

The cowboy tried to hit them

While riding at full speed

While riding in the darkness

So loudly did he shout

I gave his best to head them

And turn the herd about

His saddle horse did stumble

And on him he did fall

He'll not see his mother

When the work's all done this fall

Fred you take my saddle

Jim you take my bed

Johnny take my pistol

After I am dead

Think me so kindly

When you look upon them all

I'll not see my mother

When the work's all done this fall

Send my Mother my wages

The wages I have earned

Cause I am afraid boys

My last steer I have turned

I'm going to a new range

I hear my Master's call

I'll not see my mother

When the work's all done this fall

Charlie was buried at sunrise

No tombstone at his head

Nothing but a little board

And this is what it said

Poor Charlie died at daybreak

He died from a fall

And he'll not see his mother

When the work's all done this fall