When the Work's all done this Fall

A group of jolly cowboys
Discussing plans at ease
Said one, I'll tell you something, boys
If you will listen, pleaseI am an old cow puncher
And here I'm dressed in rags
I used to be a tough one
And go on great big jagsOnce I had a home, boys
And a good one you all know
Though I haven't seen it since
Long long years agoI'm going back to Dixie
Once more to see'em all
Yes, I am going home, boys
When the work's all done this fallNow when I left my home, boys
My Mother for me cried
She begged me not to go, boys
For me she would have diedMy mother's heart is breaking
I've broken it that's all
But with God's help I'll see her
When the work's all done this fallWhen the roundup days are over
And the shipping all is done
I'm going right straight home, boys
Before my money's goneI have changed my way, boys
No more will I fall
Yes, I am going home, boys
When the work's all done this fallThat very night the cowboy went out
To stand his guard
The night was dark and cloudy
And storming very hardThe cattle, they got frightened
And rushed in wild stampede
The cowboy tried to turn them
While riding at full speedWhile riding in the darkness alone
He did shout
He did his best to head them
And turn the herd aboutHis saddle horse did stumble
And on him he did fall
He'll not see his mother
When the work's all done this fallBoys, send my Mother my wages
The wages I have earned
'Cause I am afraid, boys
My last steer I have turnedI'm going to a new range
I hear my Master's call
Yes, I am going home, boys
When the work's all done this fallFred, you take my saddle
Jim, you take my bed
Johnny, take my pistol
After I am deadThink about me kindly
As you look upon them all
I'll not see my mother
When the work's all done this fallCharlie was buried at sunrise
No tombstone at his head
Nothing but a thin board
And this is what it saidPoor Charlie died at daybreak
He died from a fall
He'll not see his mother
When the work's all done this fall