RAY KRAFT
I'm as big a fan of Nolan as there's ever been - I do about thirty or forty of his songs - and most of whatever I know about songwriting I learned from the Bob Nolan songs, later from Ian Tyson and Marty Robbins, and Cole Porter. I wrote "Silver Spurs," which you may have heard, on Great American Cowboy by the Sons of the San Joaquin.
One of my fondest dreams is to, someday, record a CD box set of the Songs of Bob Nolan, all or most of them. They're way too good to lose.
Several years ago Jim Bob Tinsley published an intro to Tumbling Tumbleweeds that he attributed to Bob Nolan - words, no music. The well-known intro, "I'm a roving cowboy, ridin' all day long, etc." he attributed to an unknown studio author. He said he had found in the Nolan archives the following lyrics -
"Days may be dreary
still I'm not weary
my heart needs no consoling
at each break of dawn
you'll know that I'm gone
like old tumbleweeds
I'm rolling . . .
See them tumbling down
pledging their love to the ground . . . etc."
I immediately, intuitively, decided that the common intro, "I'm a rovin' cowboy," was not Bob's, it didn't feel like him, and Tinsley's discovery, "Days may be weary, still I'm not weary . . ." rang true. I also, almost immediately and intuitively, produced a melody for it that seems to me to be exactly what Bob would have written, with a 1 / 3 / 4 chord progression, and have been singing this intro ever since.
Also, an interesting experience: Some years ago was visiting some
friends. My friend had been, she said, a big Bob Nolan fan since his
days in the movies. Of course I broke out the guitar and was doing a few
songs.
About halfway through "You Are My
Eyes," I noticed she looked different, she was looking past me, her
mouth had dropped open a bit, and she looked a little pale. I kept
singing, and when done I asked, "What happened there? You looked, uh,
different."
She said, "I saw Bob Nolan. He was
standing right behind you. He was smiling."
~ Ray's Lyrics ~
Ain't No Last Cowboys (where I'm From)
Las noches encantadas (Enchanted Nights)
She'll Do (to Ride the River With)
Driving across the Mojave one night, great white owl flew across just in front of my windshield, the moon was full and the desert blue, and I composed this "Song for Bob Nolan." Here are the words:
Ray Kraft
Blue moon
on the Mojave
autumn chill
in the air
white owl
wingin' so softly
I feel
your spirit there
Timber sighs
in the Sierra
summer storm
in the sky
rainbow rim
over the meadow
I see
you passin' by
They say, when a man
rides his last long trail
over the hills
to the West
that his heart
will roam eternity
in the places he
loves the best
In the voice
of the prairie
in the hush
of the snow
in the song
of the campfire
I hear
you singin' low
I hear you
singin' low.
Ray Kraft
A hush fell in the tavern
as a cowboy we all know
came through the door
stepped up to the bar and said
My friends, we've all been
seen in here before
but today's a special day
got a letter that I hoped
I'd never get
brung me by a Sergeant Major
and the first words that I see
are, I regret
Well I can't make out the rest
but I think we all know
what it means
sent my boy to be a soldier
just a couple days ago
or so it seems
and he won't be comin' home
and friends, a part of me
has died
but I'm proud of what he done
and I can feel him standin'
right here by my side
At Valley Forge
at Gettysburg
at Normandy, Khe San
the Alamo
and once more
in the sand
a line is drawn
and the warriors
of America
will fight
and some will die
to keep that Great Old Glory
waiving proudly
in the sky
I've another letter here
that I recieved
only yesterday
says, Dad, the foe is many
and we're spoilin for a fight
now any day
and if I'm among the fallen
our lives we gladly lived
and proudly gave
it's a price we pay for freedom
just remember
when you see Old Glory waive
At Valley Forge
at Gettysburg
at Normandy, Khe San
the Alamo
and once more
in the sand
a line is drawn
and the warriors
of America
will fight
and some will die
to keep that Great Old Glory
waiving proudly
in the sky
Can't you see
that Great Old Glory
waiving proudly
in the sky!
Ray Kraft
When I was a boy
nights in the winters back home
mother would take from the mantle
a picture she owned
of a handsome young cowboy
and her, on their weddin' day
silver spurs on his heels
that he wore when he rode away
And she'd sing
rowels that ring
like bells in the night
silver spurs flashing
in Utah moonlight
hoofbeats that echo
out over the hills
songs in the stars
a memory that fills
my heart with the
ring of his spurs
Well I grew and I loved the wild horses
and drifted away
out on the road alone
livin' the rodeo way
won me a buckle on a buckskin
in Lander last spring
just floatin' and hearin'
the old song mother would sing
Rowels that ring
like bells in the night
silver spurs flashing
in Utah moonlight
hoofbeats that echo
out over the hills
songs in the stars
a memory that fills
my heart with the
ring of his spurs
As I walked back a crippled old cowboy
came down to the chutes
seventy years in his eyes
silver spurs on his boots
says, Son, that's the prettiest ridin'
I've seen in awhile
as he blinks back a tear in his eye
and he choked on a smile
I rode with your dad in the gather
the day that he died
up north of Jarbridge
just over the Idaho side
rolled under a young buckskin stud
he was startin' to train
slipped on a hill in the mud
in a September rain
The last words he whispered to me
as I knelt by his side,
Ya know, Jack, I'd give anything
just to see my boy ride
these were your father's
you've earned 'em and now son they're yours
as he took from his heels
and handed me these silver spurs
Rowels that ring
like bells in the night
silver spurs flashing
in Utah moonlight
hoofbeats that echo
out over the hills
songs in the stars
a memory that fills
my heart with the
ring of his spurs.
Ray Kraft
Quiet men, ridin' again
as they've ridden
ten thousand times or more
mist risin' o'er the plains
a flick of wrist and reins
dawn dancin' in the hills
moon swingin' low
See by their side
a thousand legends ride
cowboys who had ridden long ago
firelight on yellow slickers
in the darkness gleams and flickers
spurs and snaffles rattle
cattle trailin' slow
In the coulees
in the cottonwoods
deep within their hearts
Legends of the West
each rider knows
Old songs around old campfires
chinooks in the trees
wild horses in the mountains
hoofbeats in the breeze
Gunfighters, bronc riders
wild Nevada buckaroos
lawmen, and outlaws
old soldiers on the booze
Red men ridin' trails of tears
madams who've seen better years
gamblers, long trappers
and old pioneers
Quiet men, ridin' again
as they've ridden
ten thousand times or more
firelight on yellow slickers
in the darkness gleams and flickers
spurs and snaffles rattle
cattle trailin' slow
See by their side
a thousand legends ride
cowboys who had ridden
long ago.
Ray Kraft
When the season's done
long winds of autumn blow again
dusty days, saddle weary days
drift away
November comes
herd and the remuda's driven down
summer crew is driftin' with our soogans
with our pay
I'm comin' home
Gray storms of winter
gather in
comin' home
to the fires of
your lovin' again
comin' home
winter nights of candlelights
moonlight in your eyes
wind is gettin' colder now
in the sage it sighs
comin' home
Day is done
evening star risin' in the sky
ghosts of snow
blowin' in the pines
seem to say
I'm comin' home
Ridin' home.
Ray Kraft
Windward of the ridges
where the gold
summer grass flows westering
to the sea, where swallows
swirl in the insect
laden evening, hear, remember
bewildered red-chested
Santa Gertrudis yearlings
bawling out the ageless
litany of rider, horse,
and cattle, the contented
snorts of cutting horses
sensing their dusty
work well done, the
ring of tarnished spurs
and lyric cursing of
the wind burnt men lightly
riding their own legends
into the sunset.
Ray Kraft
Early morning in the canyon
stars beginning to fade
streams all runnin' quiet now
sky's a gentle, quiet gray
Strike up a fire for coffee
walk around, check and grain your string
June up in Lamoille Canyon
larks beginning to sing
Gettin' lighter now, coffee's gone
sunlight strikes the Ruby Mountain peaks
throw your diamonds, tighten down your saddles
listen how that good cold leather squeaks
Move out, ride up for summer pastures
crows laughin' in the aspens green
pair of eagles waltzin' on the winds of dawn
hear the canyon's echoes of their hunting screams
Snowfields soften
as the sun climbs up the sky
Waterfalls all singin' out their love
and a cowboy's distant yodel
answers back the eagles' cry
as white clouds drift from
glaciers high above
It's summertime
ridin' time
it's morning
in the Ruby Mountains
again.
Ray Kraft
Our ranks grow thin
I hear the bugles sing
flags folded, given to our
widows, daughters, sons,
bolts snap, rifles crack, I hear
the volleys echoing
We were called
the chosen ones of fate
into the crucible of fire and hell
to fight, to bleed, to do
awful, necessary things, we, the
bloody nemesis of hate
We soared and died
on laughter silvered wings
we rode the armor rumbling into slaughter
waded into steel through crimson surf
saw bombs concuss, fell to their
fierce concentric rings
And now the caisson rattles
a horse without a rider walks beside
a generation passes, gentlemen,
to rest in this sweet earth
we fought for, then, or as ashes
on the blue and restless tide
We have nothing
but this legacy to give, a dream,
a faith, a fading purple heart,
and freedom, pride, our Benediction,
for those who follow in our shadow
for those who live,
those yet to live.
Ray Kraft
He's got no gold buckles
no trophies to show
for the bulls and the broncs
that he rode
for he's never been first
in the big rodeo
and on most of his rides
he got throwed
Broke, and he's skinny
always been that
always spent more
than he's earned
his books are all kept
in the band of his hat
he's forgotten 'bout
twice what he's learned
And he curses the life
when he's calvin' again
in the half melted snow
and the mud
but he figgers it's worth it
as soon as he sees
some ol' cottonwood
startin' to bud
Then summer comes
dusty, hot, windy and brown
and he don't hardly
make it to town
he works through the night
when the water tank's dry
cattle scattered
and fences tore down
And he'll grin in October
he's ridin' the drag
feels that cool autumn wind
start to blow
through stands of gold aspen
sees cattle strung out
on the trail in the
valley below
He's a pretty good cowboy
he's lapped a good life
he just hopes he can
ride 'til he dies
wealthy in friends
and the memories he's raised
and the stars in the
high desert skies
A helluva hand
ain't fancy or famous
just glad he ain't
ridin' a desk
no walls to corral him
just mountains and pines
and the sage covered hills
of the West
He'll sing in October
he's ridin' the swing
feels that cool autumn wind
start to blow
through dancin' gold aspen
sees cattle strung out
on the trail in the
valley below
On the trail in the
valley below.
Ray Kraft
Horses in the shadows
at the borders of the flickering campfire's glow
lean back against your saddles
listen to the whispers in the trees
I'll tell you all a story
when I was young, many years ago
ranchin' in the Absarokas
sharin' every trail I rode with Anna Marie
Found her on the Yellowstone
all alone, runnin' free
sorrow in her eyes that told of
too many years without a home
so I offered her some wages
a cabin she could come to call her own
and in her eyes I saw the first gleam
of the fire in the heart of Anna Marie
And in the morning
when the shadows go
when the sunlight falls
on the autumn snow
with my horses
ridin' wild and free
runnin' from and
searchin' for a memory
the eyes and arms
and love of Anna Marie
Skittish as a kitten
that had never felt the fingers of a man
magic with my horses
as good a roundup hand as I will see
in a year she learned to love me
fire in her heart, a fire in mine
now I'm achin' for the fingers and
the fire in the eyes of Anna Marie
And in the morning
when the shadows go
when the sunlight falls
on the autumn snow
with my horses
ridin' wild and free
runnin' from and
searchin' for a memory
the eyes and arms
and love of Anna Marie
Twenty years ago September
sorrow in her shoulders I could see
haunted by the memories
of days and places I will never know
packed her gear and through her tears
said it's time for her to go
twenty years of runnin' from and searchin' for
the Anna Marie I used to know
And in the morning
when the shadows go
when the sunlight falls
on the autumn snow
with my horses
ridin' wild and free
runnin' from and
searchin' for a memory
the eyes and arms
and love of Anna Marie.
Ray Kraft
Snowflakes and headlights
dance like the devil in white
ice black as sin on the
road to Alberta tonight
the highway don't care
for the soul of a cowboy
lost before anyone knows
as the tires give way
he rides on to a rendezvous
dance with the devil
he knows
Dance with the devil
she'll dance with the devil tonight
she don't ask forever
she don't ask
if this love is right
she don't ask his name
she'll be gone
in the first morning light
but she'll dance with the devil
dance with the devil
tonight
How she cries in the night
how she cried when he left in the spring
highway to highway
gone with the wind
ridin' the rodeo string
the brahma don't care
for the soul of a cowboy
lost before anyone knows
it's a hand that he plays
when they open the gate
it's a dance with the devil
he knows
Dance with the devil
she'll dance with the devil tonight
she don't ask forever
she don't ask
if this love is right
she don't ask his name
she'll be gone
in the first morning light
but she'll dance with the devil
dance with the devil
tonight.
Ray Kraft
Workin' up Antelope Valley way
gatherin' cattle last year
I met an old half breed line rider
a medicine bag in his gear
His face was saddle leather
his back still arrow-straight
a Montana crown black Stetson
a bit of a limp in his gate
We rode together and talked awhile
'til we came to his summer home
a log line shack with an old wood stove
where I left him and rode on alone
But I'll never forget his words to me
as I asked asked him about his life
and didn't he ever get lonely out there
with his horses and dogs and no wife
He said, Son,
I don't hardly ever get lonesome
and sure it's a long ride to town
there's a woman who comes here to see me
each night when the sun goes down
Her arms are the earth I lie in
her love is the campfire's glow
her laughter the summer night's thunder
her fingers the soft falling snow
Her smile is the sun on the mountains
her song is the stream running free
her eyes are the eyes of the eagle
the wind is her whisper to me
Her eyes are the eyes of the eagle
the wind is her whisper to me.
Ray Kraft
Morning comes whispering
sunlight dancin' in the trees
morning wind comes gentle
I feel your fingers, gentle in the breeze
dew and coffee and my campfire
lend their fragrance to the dawn
the mare stares down the canyon
she whinnies, I wonder what she sees
The saddle sings a quiet song
of leather worked with love, long ago
I ride up the Uncompaghres
by streams that fill the Rio Grande below
tracks of cattle, tracks of elk,
sheep and coyotes in the sand
I can feel you ridin' by me
I love you and I wonder if you know
I see the rains a'comin'
Thunderstorms of Summer rollin' in
I hear the timber singin'
I hear you callin' for me in the wind
searchin' for a stand of spruce or fir
shelter from the storm
dreamin' of your fire
your smile and your arms
to keep me warm
Rain comes fallin', drivin'
runnin' off my slicker and my skin
sheltered in the thicket, still the thunder
and the rain come rollin' in
mare is gettin' nervous
head down, tail to the wind
I see you standin' by her for a moment
and I wonder where you've been
And now the storm is over
where I'm waitin' and your voice has blown afar
swing back in the saddle
up the trail towards the early evening star
I still hear thunder rollin' in the distance
and the night is comin' in
I still see lightnin' breakin' and I
need you and I wonder who you are
I see the rains a'comin'
Thunderstorms of Summer rollin' in
I hear the timber singin'
I hear you callin' for me in the wind
searchin' for a stand of spruce or fir
shelter from the storm
dreamin' of your fire
your smile and your arms
to keep me warm
Dreamin' of your fire
your smile and your arms
to keep me warm.
She'll Do (To Ride The River With)
Ray Kraft
She's a candle in the window
when the night's comin' on
she's the early glow of sunrise
in the sky
she's a memory of lovin'
when I'm thirty miles from home
and the wind has blown a tear up
in my eye
She'll do
when the river's high and risin'
she'll do
when the will begins to give
she'll do
when nights are long
a storm's blowin' down
she'll do
to ride the river with
She's a hand on the cradle
a soft lullabye
she's a savior for a foal
too weak to stand
healin' fingers on my shoulders
when I'm achin' from the ride
she's a treasure of a lady
for a man
She'll do
when the river's high and risin'
she'll do
when the will begins to give
she'll do
when nights are long
a storm's blowin' down
she'll do
to ride the river with
When my trails are mostly traveled
and my work is mostly done
and there's only just one river
left to ride
though the thunder rolls around us
and the river's high, I know
she'll be with me when we reach
the other side
She'll do
when the river's high and risin'
she'll do
when the will begins to give
she'll do
when nights are long
a storm's blowin' down
she'll do
to ride the river with.
Ray Kraft
It's a long lonely ride
all the way from Winnemucca
to the early work at brandin'
down in Texas in the spring
where I saved a roll of entry fees
by stayin' out of town
and I hit the rough stock circuit
soon as summer rolls around
From Ft. Worth to Albuquerque
on to Tucson overnight
keep your chaps and saddle rosined
keep your cinches new and tight
sure to mark 'em comin' out
spurrin' mane to cantle
get your pay and get away
another show tomorrow night
And if this pickup keeps on pullin'
in her traces like she should
if this storm don't get much worse
why, I believe
that my prayers will all be answered
my dreams will all come true
and I'll be home and in your arms
by Christmas Eve
Drawin' Trail's End, Devil's Friend
Colorado Blue
Cotton Rosser's Widow Maker
from the lucky Flyin' U
with a pocket full o' dreamin'
and a belly full 'o sand
today you win the jackpot
tomorrow just a hand
It's a long lonesome ride
all the way from Winnemucca
March to Miles City
shippin' cattle in the fall
to the Finals down in Vegas
where I caught you on the phone
said, The season's nearly over love
I'll soon be ridin' home
If this pickup keeps on pullin'
in her traces like she should
if this storm don't get much worse
why I believe
that my prayers will all be answered
my dreams will all come true
and I'll be home and in your arms
by Christmas Eve
Yeah, my prayers will all be answered
my dreams will all come true
and I'll be home and in your arms
by Christmas Eve.
Ray Kraft
This life that I've been livin's
gettin' faster every day
the city's gettin' bigger and I find
I always get to dreamin'
when the Holidays appear
if you like, I'll tell you what
I have in mind
Throw another log on the fire
give me Christmas,
the way it used to be
hear the children singin'
in the old church choir
friends and family gathered
by a fragrant Christmas tree
Throw another log on the fire
dream of Christmas
the way it used to be
turkeys in the oven
cider, cinnamon and cloves
women gettin' dinner
on the old wood stove
If I could make a prayer
and a dream come true
I'll tell you what that dream
would be
a prayer for peace
goodwill among men
through all the heavens
and on earth again
Throw another log on the fire
come, share a dream with me
and make this Christmas once again
like Christmas used to be
a time of hope and love again
a season of joy,
and peace.
Ray Kraft
I've always hoped
to spend some Christmas Eve
by the fire with a friend
or a few
a hot buttered brandy
or two
we'll sing and we'll listen
as fingers of north wind
pluck lyres of trees
let the fire light seas
of memories of those
with great hearts and
quick smiles and
warm arms, the long
miles between them and me
will be every so shorter, aye,
gone for awhile, someday
when once again
I see them smile
in bright beds of
hot coals from cedars
and lodgepoles somewhere
in a cabin some
cold Christmas Eve.
Ray Kraft
I love the feel of eighteen wheels
eighty head of bawlin' steers in tow
the barkin' of the diesel
as another cattle run begins to roll
the sparklin' in the darkness
on the desert of the Cedar City lights
the shinin' of the candles in your eyes
and Lord, you're beautiful tonight
I love the battle when the partners turn 'im out
and the bronc begins to blow
the slappin' of the leather
the ringin' of the spurs and all the show
I know the feel of winnin'
and I know the feel of goin' on alone
the feelin' of your lovin' in the summer
and the feel of comin' home
And i wish that I could promise
that I'd always be forever
by your side
you've fallen for a cowboy
his heaven is another crazy ride
dreamin' of the horses
the ranges and the roads
I haven't seen
torn between your love
and one more ride
and one more crazy
cowboy dream
I love brandin' in the spring
all the hands and calves and yearlin's millin' 'round
horses in the distance
runnin' some high lonesome ridge without a sound
whispers in the wind and in the pine trees
and the wire as I ride
sunlight on the water shines like candles in your eyes
and Lord, you're beautiful tonight
I wish that I could promise
that I'd always be forever by your side
you've fallen for a cowboy
his heaven is another crazy ride
always dreamin' of the horses
the ranges and the roads I haven't seen
torn between your love
and one more ride
and one more crazy
cowboy dream
Torn between your love
and one more ride
and one more crazy
cowboy dream.
Ray Kraft
The winds blow on forever
on the plains
in the blue Montana skies
sagebrush drums and whistles
endless echoes
of ancient chants and cries
Old ones running
with their brothers
the wolf, the bear and buffalo
stories told in winter nights
lodges glowing
fires burning low
Deep in the blood
memories of grandfathers
the songs of long ago
songs of warriors dancing
coyote cries, of winter stars
of glistening snow
Winters pass, summers come
in whispering prairie grasses
spirits run
thunder drumming hooves
distant cries of prairie wolves
red setting suns
Now far in the hills
when I wander
there in a still water pool
a vision I see
a wolf in the water
gazing at me
is he my brother?
Who does he see?
Spirits running on the plains
the wolf in the water
calling me
the hawks and seasons circle
and I wonder
it is just a memory?
The winds blow on forever
on the plains
in the blue Montana skies
sagebrush drums and whistles
endless echoes
of ancient chants and cries.
Ray Kraft
Let's fly away
to a little town in Mexico
where they grow the maguey
where sweet sea winds blow
soft summer nights
let me remember
let me go there again
tequila, my friend
Dark sparkling eyes
black hair that glistens
held close in my arms
to my heart her heart listens
voice like a dove
kisses from heaven
let me hold her again
tequila, my friend
Many years I have wondered
why did I go wrong?
many years I have wandered
many years she's been gone
Bring me a memory
let me love her again
let your spirit console me
tequila, my friend,
Las Noches Encantadas (Enchanted Nights)
Ray Kraft
Enchanted nights
memories come shining
silver like the moon
of Mexico
warm as the sun
when it smiles upon the sea
love in your eyes
shining like the stars
that love the desert skies
of Sonora
enchanted nights
now only my memory
Las noches encantadas
those nights enchanted by your smile
last noches encantadas
illumined by your eyes
shining like the desert stars above
now every day
without your love
my heart breaks anew
las noches encantadas
enchanted nights
with you
Las noches encantadas
recuerdos brillar
como el luna plata
de Mexico
calor como el sol
cuando los sonrisas al a mar
amor en sus ojos
brillar como de estrella
que amor de cielo
de Sonora
las noches encantadas
no mas, que mi recuerdos
Las noches encantadas
those nights enchanted by your smile
las noches encantadas
illumined by your eyes
shining like the desert stars above
now every day
without your love
my heart breaks anew
las noches encantadas
enchanted nights
with you
Now every day
without your love
my heart breaks anew
las noches encantadas
enchanted nights
with you.
Ray Kraft
Are those tears
in your eyes?
It's late I know
the fire's low
our voices fill the night
with songs of love
Are those tears
in your eyes?
I'm not this way
I hear you say
it's just tequila
I've been drinking of
But I know
Si, intiendo
I can see
Si, yo ver
I know it's not tequila
that you cry
so many years
so many tears
by firelight I see
and realize
Those tears are tears of sorrow
for all the lonely nights
you've known, my love
those tears are tears of joy
for all the nights
that you've been dreaming of
I know it's not tequila
the sighing of the wind
the mourning dove
those tears are much too beautiful
those tears are from your heart
those tears are love
Si, intiendo
si, yo ver
yo saber lo es no tequila
su lagrimas
de mas anos, y lagrimas
yo ver por fuego luz
y comprender
Those tears are tears of sorrow
for all the lonely nights
you've known, my love
those tears are tears of joy
for all the nights
that you've been dreaming of
I know it's not tequila
the sighing of the wind
the mourning dove
those tears are much too beautiful
those tears are from your heart
those tears are love
Las lagrimas mas bello
las lagrimas, de corazon
mi amor.
Ray Kraft
I know I'm not the man
you've always wanted me to be
I'll never be a rich one
or the king of anything
just another cowboy
hangin' on to what I seen
but to me you are as beautiful
as any beauty queen
I know I'm not romantic
like the cowboys on the screen
I know I'm not the dancer
that you dance with in your dreams
workin' dawn to moonrise
trackin' mud across your floor
but you know there ain't nobody
who could love you
any more
I know it ain't been easy
sometimes lookin' back it seems
if you'd only done things different
there'd be diamonds
in your rings
I know this ain't the heaven
someone told you life would be
I know that things ain't always been
just right with you and me
but anytime you're thinkin'
of walkin' out that door
don't forget, there ain't nobody
who could love you
any more.
Ain't No Last Cowboys (Where I'm From)
Ray Kraft
Midnight in a bar
out in California
honky band was playin'
I stopped to listen on
silver guitar
red lizard boots and Levis
singer he was singin'
The Last Cowboy Song
And then I knew
I'd rode too far from home
ain't no last cowboys
where I'm from
the ranges aren't all dyin'
the legends aren't all gone
there ain't nobody singin'
the last cowboy song
Morning at four
up in Montana
restless remuda
day's work comin' on
been there before
swing up in the saddle
boss's kid behind me singin'
some ol' cowboy song
And then I knew
I'd rode too far from home
ain't no last cowboys
where I'm from
the ranges aren't all dyin'
the legends aren't all gone
there ain't nobody singin'
the last cowboy song
Long as the wind
blows in Wyoming
long as the Rio Grande
runs to the sea
long as the grasses
waive in Oklahoma
there'll be cattle
hands, and horses
and cowboy songs to sing
And then I knew
I'd ride right back to home
ain't no last cowboys
where I'm from
the ranges aren't all dyin'
the legends aren't all gone
there ain't nobody singin'
the last cowboy song
The ranges aren't all dyin'
the legends aren't all gone
there ain't nobody singin'
the last cowboy song.
Ray Kraft
A Stetson, a saddle
a hot roll
I call that my home
horses, riatas, a rifle
and places to roam
ranges where
I've never been
mountains that I've
never seen
a wind blowin'
out of the west
callin' me home
The sun red and low
in the sky
to show me the trail
soon be the moon
climbin' high
and a coyote's wail
meadows to rest in
cool mountain streams
a song if I'm
campin' alone
a wind blowin'
out of the West
callin' me home
Though I work all
the gathers and ranches
and hear every tale
follow the seasons
and wagons
and ride every trail
Still there's dreams
that a cowboy will carry
secrets he keeps
rolls up with his beddin'
each mornin'
rides out as he sleeps
dreams of the girl
and a homeplace he loves
things that the wind's
singin' of
the wind blowin'
out of the West
callin' me home.
Ray Kraft
Down in the willows
where the mockingbird sings
of love in the morning
of love on the wing
your eyes in the moonlight
bright like the stars
down in the willows
warm, in my arms
And trails you must travel
ways I must ride
the cold winter wind
will burn in my eyes
your love in my fires
your laughter in spring
where the wind in the sagebrush
and meadowlarks sing
They'll call me a drifter
my saddle, my home
still I'll remember
my love, my own
Down in the willows
where the mourning doves cry
of love in the evening
wild wings in the sky
your eyes in the moonlight
bright like the stars
down in the willows
warm, in my arms.
Ray Kraft
Are you lonely tonight
do the shadows hold you
are the lips that you kiss
just a memory?
Should I hold you tonight
should my arms enfold you
would the shadows go
if you fell in love with me?
Would the stars shine in
would a gold moon rise
would the touch of love
dry those tears from your eyes?
Would the shadows leave you
would your soul fly free
should I hold you tonight
if you fell in love with me?
Ray Kraft
Nothin' but stars
and a blanket at night
nothin' but dawn
and gold morning light
nothin' but work
like a man ought to do
nothin' but a campfire
and coffee when
I'm through
Nothin' but these hills
where I can roam
nothin' but a woman
wishin' I was home
nothin' but he Lord above
watchin' over me
I got nothin'
but Lord
I'm rich and free.
Ray Kraft
Walkin' down the streets
of San Francisco
steel towers
crowdin' out the sky
homeless people
beggin' change
cars an' busses
crowdin' lanes
those lonely lookin'
strangers passin' by
This city ain't a place
for this ol' cowboy
diesel fumes bring
teardrops to my eyes
in those tears I see again
a thousand dawns
I've ridden in
and sunrise burnin'
in the eastern sky
Sold my saddle
years ago
damn fool thing I know
enchanted by the
shiny city dreams
those dreams came cold
as winter nights
without a fire's glow
and the sidewalks
don't grow wildflowers
in the spring
I've give away these city clothes
leave these lights behind
ride back to where
the timber greets the wind
where cattle graze
and mountains grow
where rivers spring from
winter snow
I'll never leave the
trails I love
again.
Ray Kraft
Some say there's a heaven
far beyond this cloudy sky
some say that the streets
are paved with gold
some say that we'll go there
if we're good and when we die
but I have found my heaven
here to hold
I've been to heaven
in your kisses
I've been to heaven
in your eyes
I went to heaven
when you fell in love
with me
I've been to heaven
in your arms
Could it be
that I was made to love you?
and maybe you were made
for lovin' me?
could it be this love is blest
by all the stars above you?
maybe that's what heaven
really means
I've been to heaven
in your kisses
I've been to heaven
in your eyes
I went to heaven
when you fell in love
with me
I've been to heaven
in your arms.
Ray Kraft
Have you ridden in the morning
when the horses' breath is steamin'
when the sunrise sets the
eastern slopes aflame?
Have you seen the cattle grazin'
in the sultry summer haze
have you ridden in the
sudden summer rain?
Have you felt the fire glowin'
when that ol' north wind is blowin'
throwin' shadows of
lovers on the wall?
Have you wakened in the night
in the fading emberlight
seen the first white snows of winter
start to fall?
If it's these things
you've been missin'
come and ride along
with me
I'll show you all
this country just
the way she's
s'posed to be!
Have you rode the
springtime brandin'
summer rodeos
and standin' watchin'
mustangs racin' storms
across the plains?
There's a chinook wind
a hissin' in your
heart and if you'll
listen all the West
will blow there
in your soul again.
Ray Kraft
Maybe it's a godforsaken country
where the wind howls in the cedars
every day
that wind will burn your eyes
the sun burns in the skies
and you wonder why you're stayin'
anyway
Maybe it's a frozen land in winter
when the snows come driftin' deep
on that ol' wind
you won't lose too many cattle
if you're lucky
and you'll live to see
the summer come again
And maybe it's a magic land
in April
the prairie turnin' sweet
and green again
those big white clouds blow by
in the blue Wyomin' sky
then maybe
maybe it's paradise
Maybe it's a lonely land forever
where the miles are long and many
friend to friend
but your friends are always there
in spirit everywhere
like winds that blow
and loves that never end
And maybe it's a magic land
in April
the prairie turnin' sweet
and green again
those big white clouds blow by
in the blue Wyomin' sky
then maybe
maybe it's paradise.
Ray Kraft
Renegados correntosa
en mi ensuenos
renegados, mi recuerdos
de amor
renegados correntosa
en los cantos de vientos
los caballos renegados
de mi corazon
Wild horses of my dreams
of my love, my memories
renegados encantar
mi corazon
free and running in the wind
that sings and finds you
and blows your memory
to my arms,
mi amor
In the silver light of dawn
I see her shadow
riding wild horses
as they run
Renegados y ensuenos
running free and far
golden hair still shining
in the sun
Still I know those renegados
run only in my heart
she rides only
in my memory
Lonely hearts and wild horses
children of the wind
renegados and her love
enchanting me
Wild horses of my dreams
of my love, my memories
renegados encantar
mi corazon
free and running in the wind
that sings and finds you
and blows your memory
to my arms
mi amor
Renegados correntosa
en mi ensuenos
renegados, mi recuerdos
de amor
renegados correntosa
en los cantos de vientos
los caballos renegados
de mi corazon
Free and running
in the wind
that sings and finds you
and blow you to my arms
mi amor.
Ray Kraft
Ridin' home from a Christmas dance
late one Christmas Eve
the snow was white
and the moon was bright
and I saw
I do believe
A little white haired man
in a little red sleigh
drawn by eight reindeer
and I cupped my hand
to my ear as they ran
and I swear that
I did hear
Santa Claus singing
Santa Claus sings
high in the sky
in a sleigh on his way
to the good little girls
and the good little boys
with a great big bag of toys
Santa Claus sings!
Silent Night
Oh Holy Night
and Hark, the Angels Sing
the reindeer hooves
beat time as they flew
and the jingle bells
did ring
I once did think
he was just a tale
but now I know
'tis true
if you listen late
some Christmas Eve
he'll sing those
songs for you
Santa Claus singing
Santa Claus sings
high in the sky
in a sleigh on his way
to the good little girls
and the good little boys
with a great big bag of toys
Santa Claus sings!
Ray Kraft
My baby just up and left me
my mama just up and died
hit my dog with the pickup truck
drivin' home drunk last night
boss just says I'm fired
judge says the alimony's due
and if it ain't paid by Monday
gonna put me in the cooler
for a month or two
So I came home
through the swingin' doors
gonna drink 'til things improve
tie me to this barstool
so I don't fall
if I move
you can take me home
you're drivin'
if you're still here after two
well ya asked me
how'm I doin'!
pretty good, hell,
how about you?
A week ago my favorite hog
lay sleepin' on the railroad track
along came a big ol' choo choo train
my hog ain't comin' back
kid's on drugs, barn burned down
roof leaks if it rains
so I think I'd better just sit right here
'til good times comes again
So I came home
through the swingin' doors
gonna drink 'til things improve
tie me to this barstool
so I don't fall
if I move
you can take me home
you're drivin'
if you're still here after two
well, ya asked me
how'm I doin'!
pretty good, hell,
how about you?
Ray Kraft
Well, my daddy, he wasn't no cowboy
he wouldn't'a said 'them there' or 'ain't'
he'da said that he had eddication and sense
enough to stay offa ol' paint
And my family weren't packers or ranchers
and I weren't to the saddle bred
and rather'n off chasin' brushed up ol' cows
some would rather o' seen me off dead!
But Fate has a way of fixin' things
the way they're supposed to be
and so 'bout the time when I turned ten
brung a half wild hawse to me
The folks, they had bought a few acres
an' the seller had left this hawse there
guess he just figgered he wasn't worth takin'
and givin' away would be fair
Said he'd come wild from Nevada
he sure enough acted the part
piebald and short coupled, a big Roman nose
wide eyes and a big crazy heart
They'd called this Mustang 'Lucky'
been a bare in a rodeo string
but I s'pose he was light or not crazy enough
to make the good bronc twisters sing
So they sold him, or maybe they gave him away
I guess that we'll never know, now
anyhow, I'm a kid, never been on a horse
and he's here in my horse corral
I didn't know no better
so we rounded up some tack
and a cowboy to help get the saddle on
and get me up there on his back
And he humped just a little and tossed me down
on my ass, and he bent my pride
but I still didn't know no better and so
dusted off and, again, tried to ride
I kept gettin' on and kept tryin'
though I sure didn't have no style
and I stayed there a little bit longer and then
I was stayin' up there quite awhile
And we finally got it down to where
he'd buck and he'd kick and he'd run
and I'd stay planted there grinnin'
we's all just havin' some fun
He was always a little bit loco
some habits are hard to break
he'd spook at some great big old oak tree
and step over a rattlesnake
But he was just fine in rough country
he didin't know how to quit
and after awhile sorta picked up his style
and stopped always fightin' the bit
Quick as a slow bolt of lightnin'
proud as a king on a throne, he sure
liked to travel, he'd kick the most gravel
when he thought we was headin' for home
I worked him a lot in the foothills
huntin' cattle brushed up in the fall
then we'd ride away off in the mountains
where the winds in the tall timber call
And often out there in the summers
when the shade was a hundred and ten
we swam some cold creeks, on days like that
he sure did like to swim
We rode through the fall and the winter
gray clouds scuddin' along, my back
to the wind, my face stiff with cold
and him trottin' on sure and strong
And we rode in the spring and the lupine
the wind blowin' warm and sweet
he'd buck a bit extra, we head'er on out
I'd sing to the snare of his feet
He was never the best at anything
not cuttin' nor ropin' nor style
but strong and sure footed, he'd go anywhere
and get you back after awhile
We rode 'til he hit about twenty or so,
then as all of us someday will do
he began to slow down and get grumpy
I knew that his fast days were through
So we turned him out in the bottoms
where there's green grass most of the year
not too far from home, he'd come by for scraps
whole melons, corn in the ear
And there was some other old horses there
good company standin' nearby, and they'd
bunch in the corners and talk, I suppose
of their days in the hills on the fly
Then I walked away out in the pasture
late one Christmas Eve
and found him lyin' down out there
struggling just to breathe
He tried to stand as I came up
he could barely raise his head
and watchin' him tryin' I reckoned
by sunrise he'd be dead
So I settled myself down beside him
and laid my hand on his neck
and started talkin' to him and tryin'
to keep my tears in check
I told him about what a help he'd been
and a friend when I needed one
and I'd tried to treat him good, and so
I knew he'd had a pretty good run
And I said that I figgered he's spooked a bit
not knowin' what's comin' next
but whatever it is, it comes for us all,
and we all gets a little perplexed
But, I said, where I thought he'd be goin'
there'd be plenty of sweet grass and grain
and I figgered it probably likely that
I'd see him someday, there, again
And it seemed somehow that he understood
as I sat there beside him that night
and the wind it was sharp, but not bitter
and the stars all a'twinklin' bright
He laid his head down as I talked to him
and slowly got quiet and still
and I knew that he'd picked up his last long trail
run off, and run over the hill
And the wind was full of hoofbeats
as I wandered back inside
poured out a glass of tequila
sat by the fire and cried
I like to think that he's runnin'
back out in Nevada, where he was born
with a herd of spirit Mustangs
runnin' before the storm
Hear the crack of their hooves in the thunder
breathin' hard as they run in the wind
see the dust risin' on the horizon
look twice, now they're gone again
And I like to think that I'll see him
when I ride up that same trail some day
I'll call, and he'll stomp in the dust a bit, and
he'll snort, but he won't run away
There'll be that same ol' hump in his back
that same ol' gleam in his eye
we'll ride up the ridge where the morning glows
all red in the desert sky
Hell, most of you think I been loco'ed
to speak of an old hawse so
but there's them there in Stetsons who don't say much
and they know
they know.
A
Toast For Christmas
Ray Kraft
No new poems this Christmas
it hasn't been that kind of year
but still I wish for each of you
good friends, good spirits
good cheer
And when all the gifts
are taken to heart
and the last Yule log
is but embers
may this have been a season
that each of us
always remembers
And may all the memories
be good ones
and all of the gifts be true
and the spirits and friends
inspire and cheer us all
the new year through.