Across The Wide Missouri Testo

I was travellin❝ West a buckskin on my way to a cattle run
Cross a little cactus desert under a hot blisterin❝ sun
I was thirsty down to my toenails, stopped to rest me on a stump
But I tell ya 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 bakin❝ powder can
❝This pump is old❝, the note began, ❝but she works so give❝r 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, cool 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 that rock you❝ll find some water I left in a bitters jar❝
❝Now there❝s just enough to prime it with so dontcha go drinkin❝ first❝
❝You just pour it in and pump like mad, 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, cool your feet❝
❝Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete❝

Well I found that jar and I tell ya nothin❝ was ever prettier to my eye
And I was tempted strong to drink it, cuz that pump looked mighty dry
But the note went on ❝have faith my friend, there❝s water down below❝
❝You got to give until you get❝I❝m the one who ought to know❝
So I poured in the jar and I started pumpin❝ and I heard a beautiful sound
Of water bubblin❝ and splashin❝ up outta that hole in the ground
I took off my shoes and I drunk my fill of that cool refreshing treat
I thank the Lord and thank the pump and I thank 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, cool your feet❝
❝Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete❝

❝Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet❝
❝Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete❝


Transcribed by Ronald E. Hontz
ronhontz@worldnet.att.net