Desert Pete

(album: Sunny Side! - 1963)

I was traveling West of Buckskin on my way to a cattle run
'Cross a little cactus desert under a hard bargaining sun
Thirsty down to my toenails, I stopped to rest me on a stump
But I tell you I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump
I took it to be a mirage at first. It'll fool a thirsty man
Then I saw a note stuck in a baking powder can
"This pump is old," the note began, "but she works
So give'er a try. I put a new sucker washer in 'er
You may find the leather dry

You've got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe
You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face to your feet
Leave the bottle full for others. Thank you kindly, Desert Pete

Yeah, you'll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there's a fire
Under the rock you'll find some water left there in a bitter's jar
Now there's just enough to prime it with, so don't you go drinking first
Just pour it in and pump like mad and, buddy, you'll quench your thirst

You've got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe
You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face to your feet
Leave the bottle full for others. Thank you kindly, Desert Pete

Well, I found the jar, and I tell you, nothing was ever prettier to my eye
And I was tempted strong to drink it because that pump looked mighty dry
But the note went on, "Have faith, my friend, there's water down below
You've got to give to really get. I'm the one who ought to know"

So I poured in the jar and started pumping and I heard a beautiful sound
Of water bubbling 'n' splashing up out of that hole in the ground
Then I took off my shoes and drunk my fill of that cold refreshing treat
Then I thanked the Lord, and I thanked the pump, and I thanked old Desert Pete

You've got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe
You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face to your feet
Leave the bottle full for others. Thank you kindly, Desert Pete