This is a song about a real rodeo cowboy whom Phillips met at a gas station. There was a sign offering an electric guitar for sale, and Phillips got to talking with the attendant. The song tells the tale.
Thurman's bride made him get "a real job" in a service station, and promise to quit the rodeo. Thurman sneaked back for one last ride, but was hurt, so she caught him. Now she was divorcing him, and he's bitter. This is what Utah Phillips made of it.

JOHN THURMAN

Where did you come from, and where will you go?
Where did you come from, my young Johnny-O?
I come for to ride and I come for to sing;
I come for to bring you a big diamond ring.

Oh, I am a cowboy; wild brahmas I ride
I promised to quit them, for the sake of my bride.
Now I work in a station, and all I can do
Is think about ridin' and team-ropin' too.

I drove to Salina about two weeks ago
And signed up to ride in the big rodeo
Well, I drew a brahma, he come out so fast
He pulled out my shoulder, and I could not last.

He bucked and he sunfished; I kicked and I cussed.
Then I picked myself up and I shook out the dust.
That "Old 27", he's ornery and strong,
But no-one had ever stayed on him that long.

Well, I come in to work, it was early today
My young wife, she called me, these few words to say:
"You've broken your promise; it's easy to see
"You love these wild brahmas more than you love me."

Well, I'll pack up my camper, take a flat-top guitar
And play country music in every damn bar!
I'll pick up my paycheck, get ready to go
And head out to follow the big rodeo!

Oh, where did you come from, and where did you go?
Where did you come from, my young Johnny-O?
I come for to ride and I come for to sing,
But I didn't come to bring you, no god-damn ring!

DRO