Guts and a Horse
Riding the American Dream: Guts and a Horse by Cowboy Dave
Lyrics
Ernest James left the north to be a cowboy
Ernest James left his northern home to pursue a cowboy lifestyle.
Said he came around from Montana way
He claimed to come from Montana.
Did some time in the pines for rustling longhorns
Spent time in the pine forests for cattle rustling.
I guess you could say he went and found the American way
His journey reflected a pursuit of the American way.
Ernest James learned how to drive them cattle
Ernest James gained cattle-driving skills from South to Kansas.
From the South to the Kansas railheads
Worked and earned a living on the saddle.
Passing time, making a dime in the saddle
Engaged in passing time and making money.
Never thinking that one day it might find him dead
Did not foresee the possibility of meeting a fatal end.
He had guts and he had a horse;
He possessed bravery and a reliable horse.
He was a little naïve, of course
Recognizes his innocence but acknowledges his lack of experience.
But he could shoot his pistol pretty straight, you know
Proficient in handling a pistol with accuracy.
He was the rough and reckless sort, depending on your source
Described as rough and reckless, depending on the perspective.
But he had guts and he had a horse
Despite flaws, he maintained courage and had a reliable horse.
Ernest James left the north to be a good guy
Ernest James aimed to be a good person after leaving the north.
He never intended to do his mama wrong
Never intended to harm his mother but got entangled in unlawful activities.
He got caught up in the muck, trying to make a buck
Caught up in difficulties while trying to earn a living.
And ended up on the wrong side of the law
Ended up on the wrong side of the law.
He had guts and he had a horse;
Reiteration of his bravery and reliance on his horse.
He was a little naïve, of course
Acknowledges his innocence but lacks worldly wisdom.
But he could shoot his pistol pretty straight, you know
Skilled in using a pistol accurately.
He was the rough and reckless sort, depending on your source
Characterized as rough and reckless, subject to interpretation.
But he had guts and he had a horse
Despite flaws, he maintained courage and had a reliable horse.
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