Ten Seconds In The Saddle

(album: Western Tunesmith - 1979)

Well I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle
For a lifetime of watching from the stands

His Stetson was faded and battered and worn
The stubble of his beard showed flex of gray
His limp was severe cause a leg had been torn by a bronc in his rodeo days
He hung round the chutes while we waited to mount
With a vague look of longing in his eyes
He spoke very few words but he made 'em count
He was broken forgotten but wise
He said life's is just like riding broncs its a battle
Then he rolled a cigarette with shaky hands
Son I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle
For a lifetime of watching from the stands

I noticed the cigarette burns on his vest
And the rembrandt of a dream left in his eyes
The boys said he could have well been the best
Had not fate cheated him of his prize
Oh but I learned a lesson that I never known
From this guy who'd been busted so bad
It's better to ride even if you get throwed
Than to wind up just wishing you had
He said life's is just like...
Yes I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle
For a lifetime of watching from the stands