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Lyr Req: Desert Pete (Billy Edd Wheeler)

30 Jan 97 - 11:16 PM (#1768)
Subject: req lyrics: Desert Pete by the Kingston Trio
From: dmorris@digitalexp.com

I'm trying to find the words to this song and to a poem/ballad about an outlaw named Ringo who spares a sherif's life before going to face a posse that kills him.
Click here for Ringo

31 Jan 97 - 11:47 PM (#1810)
Subject: RE: req lyrics: Desert Pete by the Kingston Trio
From:

never mind, I got the words

01 Feb 97 - 03:48 PM (#1830)
Subject: RE: req lyrics: Desert Pete by the Kingston Trio
From: tony

Well how about sharing them with the rest of us? I've been hoping someone would answer your request.

01 Feb 97 - 10:52 PM (#1845)
Subject: RE: req lyrics: Desert Pete by the Kingston Trio
From: Rodney Rawlings

The song isn't about that at all, but about someone who comes upon an old well whose pump needs to be primed.

01 Feb 97 - 10:56 PM (#1846)
Subject: RE: req lyrics: Desert Pete by the Kingston Trio
From: Rodney Rawlings

I do know some of the chorus: You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe; you've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to recieve. Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet! But leave the bottle full for others. Thank you kindly--Desert Pete

01 Feb 97 - 10:59 PM (#1847)
Subject: RE: req lyrics: Desert Pete by the Kingston Trio
From: Rodney Rawlings

I've got to add here that this is a wonderful song and record, and I don't as a rule like folk music (sorry, readers! I know this forum is for folkies!). This song has the honor of being commented upon in my HIGHLY selective home page on music theory (http://www.druid.com/~rodney/).

01 Feb 97 - 11:03 PM (#1848)
Subject: RE: req lyrics: Desert Pete by the Kingston Trio
From: Rodney Rawlings

I've just realized you were asking about two songs. Sorry! BTW, I do know how to spell "receive"!

21 Jul 97 - 02:58 PM (#9174)
Subject: Lyr? "desert pete"
From: Pete - pete@ada.com

there's an old kingston trio song called the ballad of desert pete. i've been trying to find the words for some time, and have been unsuccessful. i did find a very interesting essay / sermon that refers to the origin of the song, that i found at http://www.social.tsukuba.ac.jp/ ~yamane/credo/tcac/950528.html.

if anyone can't find that site, email me and i'll email or fax you a copy.

many thanks!!

21 Jul 97 - 03:50 PM (#9178)
Subject: RE: Lyr?
From: dick greenhaus

Hi- Set the filter on this page to Desert and the date to 365 days. It's not in the database yet, but it will be.

21 Jul 97 - 04:36 PM (#9184)
Subject: RE: Lyr?
From: Bill in Alabama

Desert Pete was written, I believe by Billy Edd Wheeler. I don't remember who published it.

20 Nov 98 - 05:00 PM (#46285)
Subject: Desert Pete
From: ewills@melaleuca.com

I need the lyrics to the song "Desert Pete" by the Kingston Trio.

Thanks in advance.

Please e-mail the lyrics to ewills@melaleuca.com

20 Nov 98 - 10:22 PM (#46313)
Subject: RE: Desert Pete
From: DonMeixner

I believe that Desert Pete is a Billy Edd Wheeler tune. The same guy who brought us "Ode to The Little Brown Shack" and the stunning " Coming of The Roads" Is Billy Edd still with us and if so is he still writing?

Don

20 Nov 98 - 10:26 PM (#46314)
Subject: Lyr Add: DESERT PETE (Billy Edd Wheeler)
From: Roger in Baltimore

Dear Ewills,

I found these lyrics at Lyric World. A good site for "Top 40" lyrics. You can reach them at http://www.summer.com.br/~pfilho/html/top40/index.html

DESERT PETE
Artist: The Kingston Trio (peak Billboard position # 33 in 1963)
Words and Music by Billy Edd Wheeler

I was travelin' west of Buckskin on my way to a cattle run
'Cross a little cactus desert under a hot blisterin' sun.
I was thirsty down to my toenails, stopped to rest me on a stump,
But I tell ya I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump.

I took it to be a mirage at first; it'll fool a thirsty man;
Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin' powder can:
"This pump is old", the note began, "but she works, so give 'er a try.
I put a new sucker washer in 'er. You may find the leather dry."

CHORUS:
"You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe.
You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive.
Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face. Cool your feet.
Leave the bottle full for others. Thank you kindly. Desert Pete."

"Yeah, you'll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there's a fire.
Under that rock you'll find some water I left in a bitters jar.
Now there's just enough to prime it with, so dontcha go drinkin' first.
You just pour it in and pump like mad. Buddy, you'll quench your thirst."
CHORUS

Well I found that jar and I tell ya, nothin' was ever prettier to my eye,
And I was tempted strong to drink it, 'cause that pump looked mighty dry.
But the note went on: "Have faith, my friend. There's water down below.
You got to give until you get. I'm the one who ought to know."

So I poured in the jar and I started pumpin' and I heard a beautiful sound
Of water bubblin' and splashin' up outta that hole in the ground.
I took off my shoes and I drunk my fill of that cool refreshing treat.
I thank the Lord and thank the pump and I thank old Desert Pete.
CHORUS

REPEAT LAST 2 LINES OF CHORUS

Transcribed by Ronald E. Hontz
ronhontz@worldnet.att.net

Even in 1963 I knew this wasn't a folk song (and I was easily fooled back then).

Enjoy the song.

Roger in Baltimore

23 Nov 98 - 05:48 AM (#46559)
Subject: RE: Desert Pete
From: Bill in Alabama

I worked with Billy Edd awhile back (two years ago), and he was in fine fettle; spent most of his time, he said, at his theater in West Virginia. He's still writing songs.

30 Mar 03 - 03:14 PM (#921943)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Desert Pete' and 'Ringo'
From: kendall

I believe the Record Lady has Desert Pete among her other gems.

30 Mar 03 - 06:11 PM (#922037)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Desert Pete' and 'Ringo'
From: Stewie

It should perhaps be mentioned that 'Desert Pete' came from the pen of Billy Edd Wheeler.

--Stewie.

08 Mar 08 - 09:21 PM (#2283350)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Desert Pete'
From: GUEST,anaki4

What are the chords?

09 Mar 08 - 06:47 AM (#2283505)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Desert Pete'
From: The Fooles Troupe

Chords Add: Desert Pete (Kingston Trio)