Tom T Hall
Miscellaneous
Faster Horses (1976)
He was an old time cowboy don’t you understand
His eyes were sharp as razors blades his face was leather tan
His toes were pointed in from a-hanging on a horse
He was an old philosopher of course
He was so thin I swear you could have used him for a whip
He had to drink a beer to keep his britches on his hips
I knew I had to ask him about the mysteries of life
He spit between his boots and he replied
It’s faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money
He smiled and all his teeth were covered with tobacco stains
He said it don’t do men no good to pray for piece and rain
Peace and rain is just a way to say prosperity
And buffalo chips is all it means to me
I told him I was a poet I was looking for the truth
I do not care for horses, whiskey, woman, or the loot
I said I was a writer my soul was all on fire
He looked at me and said, “You are a liar”
Son it’s faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money
Well I was disillusioned if I say the least
I grabbed him by the collar and I turned him to his feet
There was something cold and shiny lying by my head
So I started to believe the things he said
Well my poet days are over and I’m back to being me
As I enjoy the peace and comfort of reality
If my boy ever asked what it is that I have learned
I think that I will readily confirm
Son it’s faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money
Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money
Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money
Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money