well you pass around the pipe and you all get high you never even stop and wonder why maybe it s because you want to 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 riding by like a thunder cloud that floats across the arizona sky and wonder if they re looking at a mighty happy man or just a lonely breeze that drifts across the endless desert sand well it s getting kinda cold in readosa abilene ain t getting any closer one more drink one more hand of poker because a fool and his money s going to 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 thinking you were holding all the pieces in your hand or are they slipping through your fingers like the endless desert sand 