Old Kermit Cowboys

For my Father

Put away those bottles, run the broom once more,
We've got a few more shelves to stock, before we close the store,
I know your pony's getting hungry, just another chore,
Then you can ride him 'til the sun goes down.

Where'd you learn to do those tricks, and things you do?
Cowboys in the movies ain't got nothing on you.
Yes, you can ride him out to Haley's after school,
If your Bud'll mind the store one afternoon.

Old Kermit cowboys tellin' stories on the front porch,
Ain't the best in life who stands by your side?
Riding trick ponies with my friend, John Haley,
Ain't the best in life the horses we ride,
Ain't the best in life the horses we ride?

Ah, Daddy, twinkling eyes so blue,
Now your mind's grown cloudy, but the love shines through,
How you loved to tell those stories and the things you knew
From your wrangling in those cowboy days.

Now you've come to lay your chaps and lariat down,
You've saddled up your pony toward another town,
John sends flowers, he's too old to drive
Up from Kermit for the funeral now.

Old Kermit cowboys tellin' stories on the front porch,
Ain't the best in life who stands by your side?
Rounding up the cattle with old John and Gene Haley,
Ain't the best in life the horses we ride,
Ain't the best in life who rides by your side?

Let it be said, above all else,
You were always such a kind and decent man.
And you loved the Lord above all else,
And your family far above yourself,
And these few short years of your failing health,
I only tried to give the care that I knew
You would give for me.

Old Kermit cowboys tellin' stories on the front porch,
Ain't the best in life who stands by your side?
A few short years a cowboy, fifty years a loving husband,
Is the best in life the horses we ride,
Ain't the best in life who rides by your side?

Ah, Granddad, I never knew you that well,
But from you I never heard a discouraging word.
And I know if I become half the man,
Receive half the love,
Give only half the love,
Love my God with only half your heart,
And lead half the life you did,
I would be eternally happy.

Old Kermit cowboys tellin' stories on the front porch,
Ain't the best in life who stands by your side?
Riding toward the paddock with my friend, the Lord Jesus,
Is the best in life the horses we ride,
Ain't the best in life who rides by your side?
Is the best in life the horses we ride,
Ain't the best in life who rides by your side?