Faster Horses

He was an old time cowboy, don't you understand?

His eyes were sharp as razor blades, his face was leather tanned

His toes were pointed inward from a-hangin' on a horse

He was an old philosopher of course

He was so thin I swear you could have used him for a whip

He had to drink a beer to keep his breeches on his hips

I knew I had to ask him about the mysteries of life

He spat between his boots and he replied

"It's faster horses

Younger women

Older whiskey

More money"

He smiled and all his teeth were covered with tobacco stains

He said, "It don't do men no good to pray for peace and rain"

"Peace and rain is just a way to say prosperity

And buffalo chips is all that means to me"

I told him I was a poet, I was lookin' for the truth

I do not care for horses, whiskey, women or the loot

I said I was a writer, my soul was all on fire

He looked at me and he said, "You are a liar"

"Son, it's faster horses

Younger women

Older whiskey

More money"

Well, I was disillusioned, if I say the least

I grabbed him by the collar and I jerked him to his feet

There was somethin' cold and shiny laying by my head

So I started to believe the things he said

Well, my poet days are over and I'm back to bein' me

As I enjoy the peace and comfort of reality

If my boy ever asks me what it is that I have learned

I think that I will readily affirm

"Son, it's faster horses

Younger women

Older whiskey

More money"

Faster horses

Younger women

Older whiskey

More money