The language of the "cow business" contains, as does the language of so many other occupations, references which are obscure to those not in the profession.

In my own, librarianship, we might make reference to a "marc record" or to "Sears," both of which might convey information to someone but which information would have little or even incorrect meaning. A "marc record" would mean one in "MAchine Readable Cataloging format" and "Sears" would refer not to the retailer but the the "Sears List of Subject Headings" -- depending, of course, on the context. "I'm going to Sears" could be an equivocal statement!

Likewise, a rancher or cowboy (yes, they still exist, but they're hard to see from the Interstates) might use the terms "sucker rod" (part of a windmill, not a bad car sold to a teenager), "A-fork" (a type of saddle), "wheel line" (a type of irrigation), or "Brangus" (a Brahma/Angus cross-breed of cattle).

Worse, the lingo in every living profession is in constant change or might have multiple meanings. A "throw" in ranchland could mean the toss of a rope or to be tossed off a horse (yes, they're still used).

So if you're spooked or thrown by some term in a genuine Western song -- for explain, when the Devil is headed to a blackjack oak after the guys took their dallies in "The Sierry Petes" -- it's best to look it up. Remember though that the jargon can be different in different parts of the country: an arroyo, a coollee, and gulch may or may not refer to the same thing.

Check out the references in the song "Zebra Dun." Then try to convince yourself to ride a horse.