Well you pass around the pipe and you all get high

You never even stop and wonder why

Maybe it's because you wanna die

Maybe it's just the way things have to be



Well you stay up late and you drink too damn much whiskey

You know that sort of thing is kind of risky

Maybe it's just because you like to feel frisky

Maybe it's just because you like to feel free



Saddle tramp, how many people watch you ridin' by?

Like a thunder cloud that floats across the Arizona sky

And wonder if they're lookin' at a mighty happy man

Or just a lonely breeze that drifts across the endless desert sand



Well it's gettin' kinda cold in Readosa

Abilene ain't gettin' any closer

One more drink, one more hand of poker

'Cause a fool and his money's gonna have to part



You're too proud to ever show your sorrow

You don't steal and you won't beg or borrow

You may be here today but you're gone tomorrow

There ain't no strings on your boot heels or your heart



Saddle tramp, how many people watch you ride away?

Wonder why you never promise to come back some day

Maybe thinkin' you were holdin' all the pieces in your hand

Or are they slippin' through your fingers like the endless desert sand?