A group of jolly cowboys discussing plans at ease
Says one, I'll tell you something boys, if you will listen please
I am an old cow puncher and here I'm dressed in rags
I used to be a tough one and go on great big jags
But I have got a home, boys, a good one you all know
Although I have not seen it since long, long ago
I'm going back to Dixie once more to see them all
I'm going to see my mother when the work's all done this fall
After the roundup's over and after the shipping's done
I'm going right straight home, boys, there all my money's gone
I'm going right straight home, boys, there all my money's gone

Well, I have changed my ways, boys, no more will I fall
And I am going home, boys, when the work's all done this fall
Well, when I left my home, boys, my mother for me cried
And begged me not to go, boys, for me she would have died
My mother's heart is breaking, breaking for me, that's all
And with God's help I'll see her when the work's all done this fall
That very night this cowboy went out to stand his guard
The night was dark and cloudy and storming very hard
The cattle, they got frightened and rushed in wild stampede
The cowboy tried to head them, riding at full speed
While riding in the darkness so loudly did he shout
Trying his best to head them and turn the herd about
His saddle horse did stumble and on him he fell on the ground

Did fall, the boy won't see his mother when the work's all done this fall
His body was so mangled the boys all thought him dead
They picked him up so gently and laid him on a bed
He opened wide his blue eyes and looking all around
He motioned to his comrades to sit near on the ground
Well, said my mother, my wages, the wages I have earned
For I am afraid, boys, my last year I have turned
I'm going to a new range, I hear my master's call
And I'll not see my mother when the work's all done this fall
Bill, you may have my saddle, George, you may take my bed
Bill, you may have my saddle, George, you may take my bed
Jack may have my pistol after I am dead
Boys, think of me kindly when you look upon them all
For I'll not see my mother when the work's all done this fall
Poor Charlie was buried at sunrise, no tombstone at his head
Nothing but a little board and this is what it said
Charlie died at daybreak, he died from a fall
The boy won't see his mother when the work's all done this fall
Bill, you may have my saddle, George, you may take my bed