Intro & instrumental ****

As I was a ridin' on the streets of Argenta,
I spied a fair maiden all dressed in magenta.
The riders who knew her all called her Pimenta
Oh, she was a beautiful dame.

I sprang from my saddle and walked up beside her,
Said, "Where can we get some corn whiskey and cider?"
We walked down the street to a place called the Spider,
Where she turned my heart into flame.
****
I tried to be calm but my heart was so frisky,
I knew I was playin' a game that was risky;
I looked in her eyes and could not drink my whiskey -–
For she was an angel to me.

I cried, "Oh my beautiful maid of Argenta,
All dressed in the splendor of royal magenta,
If you will but promise to be my Pimenta,
My heart yours forever shall be."
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I gave her my gold and she gave me her paddle (paddle; old term for giving one's hand[?])
We both made a vow as we sat in my saddle,
Then I rode away, the wild outlaws to battle
And left her in old Arkansas.

When I got back home to my rock on the river,
I found she was gone and it made my heart quiver.
I cannot forget and I cannot forgive her,
And I can't get her out of my craw.
****
Now I've settled down in that place called the Spider,
Where I fell in love as I sat there beside her,
All the day long I drink whiskey and cider,
And talk to all manner of men.

I tell 'em if ever I see the Pimenta,
All dressed in the splendor of royal magenta,
I'll hug her right there on the streets of Argenta,
And we'll start all over again.
****