I remembered how we used to do this song once I had the main body of the lyrics. Here's our version as I remember it.
Young Wesley
D BM
There once was a gambler and Wesley was his name
D
He'd ride many miles for the chance to play his game
D BM
And the life lines surrounded his eyes so they say
C G D
From the things that he'd seen on his way
They tell of a lady who came through to rest awhile
She was weary of the rounders as she was of the miles
On that hot dusty day as she watched him at his play
She thought she heard something far inside her say
D G D
OH YOUNG WESLEY, TAKE ME AWAY … (TWICE)
She could tell he was an outlaw like she'd fell in with before
She saw herself beside him and on the run once more
But it pained him to remember the life of darkness he once led
So he told her of a man left lying dead
So she told him of the ghosts far lying cold and still
Off in the prairie nights with their lonely haunting chill
How she still could see the faces of the robbers who moved on
Pass before her in the first sun rays of dawn
OH YOUNG WESLEY, TAKE ME AWAY WAY … (TWICE)
He decided they'd move on when he saw the change come round
Like the grateful smiles and laughter of one who has been found
But the lady wondered still what kind of game that Wesley played
And as they saddled up to leave some heard her say
You live life as a gambler all along the San Joaquin
In your eyes remain the story of the places you have seen
But your smile across the campfire makes the dream come alive again
As the spirits leave to ride across the plains
OH YOUNG WESLEY, TAKE ME AWAY WAY …
OH YOUNG WESLEY, TAKE ME AWAY WAY …