South Texas Lawman

South Texas lawman, he brings 'em back alive

He hunts quail from horseback and he cheats on both his wives

One in Rio Bravo, one in Raymondville

He's never been to Houston, and he doubts he ever will

South Texas lawman, old time in his ways

He wore the cinco peso, and it dogged him through his days

The hours were long and lonesome, the paperwork's a bitch

His years are empty bottles now, tossed off in the ditch

I used to be young

I used to understand

I used to be strong as any man

I used to be bold

Nobody bothered me

And I can't stand getting old, it don't fit me

It don't fit me

South Texas lawman, the work just ain't the same

Used to you could clock 'em good if they called you any names

Now he's up on charges for showin' 'em who's the boss

He reckons after Vietnam we must've all gone soft

I used to be young

I used to understand

I used to be strong as any man

South Texas lawman, sittin' on the beach

South of Port Aransas, alone and out of reach

Cellphone in the pickup, gun-belt in the sand

Lookin' past the breakers, half pint in his hand

Kayak through the breakers, to brave the silent sea

Cinderblock and a ski-rope coiled beneath his knees

Cellphone in the pickup, gun-belt in the sand

Naked in the moonlight, sidearm in his hand

Out past the second sand bar and on out towards the rigs

There's things out deep you seldom see

Some of them get mighty big

I used to be young

I used to understand

I used to be strong as any man

I used to be tough

Nobody bothered me

Now I've had about enough, this don't suit me

It don't suit me

I used to be bold

Nobody bothered me

And I can't stand getting old, it don't fit me

It don't fit me