Bill Foster very kindly e-mailed me a copy:

I was headin' north from Buckskin, on my way to a cattle run,
Across the Little Cactus Desert, under a hard-bargainin' sun.
Thirsty down to my toenails, I stopped to rest me on a stump,
And I tell ya, I couldn't believe it when I seen that water pump.

Well, I took it to be a mirage at first, that'll fool a thirsty man--
But then I seen a note stuck down in a bakin' powder can.
"This pump is old," the note began, "but she works, so giver 'er a try--
I had to put a new sucker-washer in, and you may find the leather dry--

So you'll have to prime the pump, and work that handle like there was a fire;
Under that rock you'll find some water that I left in a vinegar jar.
Now, there's just enough to prime it with, so don't you go drinkin' none first--
Just pour it in and pump like hell, and buddy, you'll quench your thirst.!

CHORUS

Well, I found that jar and I'll tell you, nothin' was ever prettier to my eye.
And I was tempted strong to drink it, 'cause that pump looked powerful dry;
But the note went on: "Have faith, my friend, there's water down below--
But you have to give to really get: I'm the one who oughta know."

So I poured in the water and I worked that handle and I heard a beautiful sound--
Of water, bubblin' and splashin', up outta that hold in the ground.
And I pulled off my shoes and I drank my fill of that cool, refreshin' treat;
And I said, 'Thank you, Lord,' and 'Thank you, pump,' and 'Thank you, Desert Pete.'

CHORUS

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I hope you didn't mind me re-posting it Bill. It's a great song.

Tony

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 30-Mar-03.