Faster Horses (The Cowboy And The Poet)
Composer(s): Tom T. Hall
Performer(s): Tom T. Hall;
Bobby Bare; Jesse and Noah



He was an old-time cowboy, don't you understand 
His eyes were sharp as razor blades 
His face was leather tan 
His toes were pointed inward from a-hangin' on a horse 
He was an old philosopher, of course
He was so thin I swear you could have used him for a whip 
He had to drink a beer to keep his britches on his hips 
I knew I had to ask him about the mysteries of life 
He spit between his boots and he replied

"It's faster horses, younger women
Older whiskey, and more money"

He smiled and all his teeth were covered with tobacco stains 
He said, "It don't do men no good to pray for peace and rain
Peace and rain is just a way to say prosperity
And buffalo chips is all it means to me"

I told him I was a poet, I was lookin' for the truth
I do not care for horses, whiskey, women or the loot
I said I was a writer, my soul was all on fire 
He looked at me an' he said
"You are a liar"

"It's faster horses, younger women
Older whiskey, and more money"

Well, I was disillusioned, if I say the least 
I grabbed him by the collar and I jerked him to his feet 
There was something cold and shiny layin' by my head 
So I started to believe the things he said

Well, my poet days are over and I'm back to being me 
As I enjoy the peace and comfort of reality 
If my boy ever asks me what it is that I have learned 
I think that I will readily affirm

"It's faster horses, younger women
Older whiskey, and more money" 
"Faster horses, younger women
Older whiskey, and more money" 
"Faster horses, younger women
Older whiskey, and more money"