Tom T. Hall

Faster Horses The Cowboy And The Poet

Tom T. Hall


Tom: G

   G
He was an old-time cowboy, don't you understand?
    G 
His eyes were sharp as razor blades, his face was leather-tanned
    C                                G
His toes were pointed inwards from a-hangin' on a horse
                 D7           G
He was an old philosopher, of course

   G
He was so thin I swear you coulda used him for a whip
   G
He had to drink a beer to keep his britches on his hips
  C                               G      
I knew I had to ask him about the mysteries of life
                    D7              G
He spit between his boots and he replied,

[Chorus]
             G                C              D7                 G   
"It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money!"

[Verse 2]
   G
He smiled and all his teeth were covered with tobacco stains
   G
He said, "It don't do men no good to pray for peace and rain
C                               G 
Peace and rain is just a way to say prosperity
                     D7              G
And buffalo chips is all it means to me."

  G
I told him I was a poet; I was lookin' for the truth

I do not care for horses, whiskey, women, or the loot
  C
I said I was a writer; my soul was all on fire
                       D7               G
He looked at me and he said, "You are a liar.  Son,

[Chorus]
             G               C             D7               G   
It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money!"

[Verse 3]
      G
Well, I was disillusioned, if I say the least

I grabbed him by the collar and I jerked him to his feet
C                                  G
There was something cold and shiny layin' by my head
                  D7                  G
So I started to believe the things he said.

         G
Well, my poet days are over, and I'm back to bein' me

As I enjoy the peace and comfort of reality
   C                           G
If my boy ever asks me what it is that I have learned
                    D7        G   
I think that I will readily affirm,  "Son,

[Chorus]
            G                C             D7              G   
It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money!"

[Outro] (fade out)
             G                C             D7              G   
"It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money!"
             G                C             D7              G   
"It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money!"
             G                C             D7              G   
"It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money!"

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