This song was quoted by kendall on 26-Sep-2001, although he didn't know the title:


HANK AND JOE AND ME
Words and music by Johnny Cash
As recorded by Johnny Cash on "Songs of Our Soil" (1959)

In the desert where we searched for gold,
The days are hot; the nights are cold.
Hank and Joe and me walked on
So bold and brave and free.
For days and days, we fought the heat.
I got so thirsty and I got so weak,
And when I fell 'cause I couldn't go,
I heard Hank say to Joe:

"He's dyin' (dyin', dyin')
For water.
Hear him cryin' (cryin', cryin')
For water.

"Well, lay him down in the dust and sand."
He said, "Joe, you know he's a dyin' man.
Leave him there and let him die.
I can't stand to hear him cry
For water.
I don't remember how long I lay,
But when I awoke, it was the break of day.
Buzzards circled miles ahead.
I knew Hank and Joe were dead.
My eyes were dimmed but I could see
A bed of gold nuggets under me.
Now I know that it won't be long
Till they decorate my bones.

'Cause I'm dyin' (dyin', dyin')
For water.
Can't help cryin' (cryin', cryin')
For water.

Well, they laid me down in the dust and sand.
He said: "Joe, you know he's a dyin' man.
Leave him there and let him die.
I can't stand to hear him cry
For water."
He couldn't stand to hear me cry
For water.