Hey W y s i w y G ! :

Here are the lyrics to
The Ballad of Thirsty Joe's Revenge
(c) Pat Clinton

I was sleepin' by the fire, on the plains of Idaho
When I woke up with a start and saw the ghost of Thirst Joe
Still bleedin' where John Hanna's bullet caught him in the chest
And he begged me to avenge his death and let him take his rest.

Now I ain't known as no good man I believe
I got notches on my pistol, I got aces up my sleave
But I'd rather face the dyin' and the buryin' below
Than be haunted through my sleepin' by the ghost of Thirsty Joe.

It was 2 or 3 weeks later, we brought the herd to town
So I stepped into the barroom and bought the boys a round
When in walked ol' John Hanna, I turned and faced him slow
I said, "I brought you a message from your ol' friend Thirsty Joe."

His eyes were bright with whiskey, his face went dead and gray
He looked around for help but all his friends they turned away
And he trembled as he ask me, "Stranger, how is my old friend?"
I said, "Ol' Joe is a thirsty still. He's a thirsty for revenge."

Now I ain't known as no fightin' man I guess
I wear the scars of 20 times where I was 2nd best
But Hana come tomorrow as the sun begins to show
For I reckon you'll be dyin' to please ol' Thirsty Joe.

I was waitin' there he next day as the mornin' light was dim
When I heard a step behind me and I reckoned it was him
I said, "John Hana, Say your prayers! I'm aimin' for your life!"
But it was not Hana when I turned. It was John Hana's wife.

She was an angel she would take your breath away.
She said, "I'll haunt you if you lay him in the clay."
I mounted without speaking, headed back to Idaho
For I rather would be haunted by the ghost of Thirsty Joe.

Now I ain't known as no sentimental man
I put the past behind me just as quickly as I can
But I'll not forget the way she smiled as I began to go
And at night time I describe it to the ghost of Thirsty Joe.

And he's always there beside me now
My old friend Thirsty Joe.