Saddle Saga

(re GO of Ft. Riley, Kansas)

Grady McMurtry

On the western plains where the wind does blow,

Where the water is scarce and the trees don't grow,

We trooped and we fought in the long ago,

And this is our fearful tale.

Ho!

This is our tale of whoa!

The Colonel was good, though slightly gruff,

The Sergeants were men and they knew their stuff,

The Men were wild and plenty tough

And each was hearty and hale.

Ho!

We soldiered where it was rough!

The Injuns were hard and lean as wolves,

They raided and plundered and fired the roofs

Of the settlers huts, and the thundering hooves

Of the cavalry drummed again.

Ho!

The cavalry fought the Sioux!

Then, when the Injuns were layin low

We'd rope and ride the buffalo

And rassle them in the patio

Of the Colonel's litte shack.

Ho!

Of the Colonel's bungalow!

There's one thing only we'd never do,

Tho we'd toast the West on ration brew,

And that was to shoot where Headquarters grew

On edge of the ground of parade.

Ho!

That was a rule we all knew!

[11]