Slim Dusty - Rough Riders (Album Version) lyrics

rate me

You can sing your songs of Spinifex and a horse like Ginger Meggs

An outlaw such as Curio, the meanest on four legs

But when the flags are flyin' at a big time rodeo

it's the boys who ride the circuit who really make the show.

So form up your committee and round up all your nags

Bring in the bulls and wild eyed steers an' cut out all the strags

Shut out the chutes and holding pens for the western folk all know

it's the boys who ride and risk their necks who really make the show.

He's a knight in leather armour, and he sits on a leather throne

he's a bushman and a battler, and a breed all of his own

So when the gates fly open and he makes out of the chute,

You can dip your hats and raise your voice he's worthy of salute.

They're dynamite in high heeled boots, they're men who've learned their trade

In the toughest school of the big outback, the school where men are made

Roughriders and their rope men and they bulldog for a thrill

They take their chance and bite the dust and never mind the spill.

Broken bones won't keep them home, they're not that way inclined

A reckless code along the road out for a darn good time,

They crawl a mile and drag their swags to give the crowd a show,

And help a mate along the track and fear they never show.

He's a knight in leather armour, and he sits on a leather throne

he's a bushman and a battler, and a breed all of his own

So when the gates fly open and he makes out of the chute,

You can dip your hats and raise your voice he's worthy of salute

[From his album: "Rodeo Riders"

Transcribed: Marten Busstra. 2009]