I’d sure like to thank you for all that you’ve taught me
And even this fine suit of clothes that you bought me
But staying in one place there’s something I’ve found..
It feels like my boots are just roots in the ground
So with fondness, affection, no malice at all
I’m afraid that it’s time that I must heed the call
It’s westward I started till I met you, Dear
And now West I’ll continue at least for this year
I’ll always plumb treasure the times that we had
I’ll remember these good times when I run into bad
Your lovely saloon has been my house and home
But a gilded cage can’t stop my yearning to roam
My ears are not wet now thanks to your help
When I walked in this place I was just a young whelp
But your guidance and wisdom in things of the world
Has shown me how life’s like a new flag unfurled
A wiser man now than I was when I got here
(Sometimes I’m quite grateful that I wasn’t shot here)
But gambling and drinkin just ain’t right for me
I need open skies and the feeling I’m free
So Darlin, as you read these words that I’ve writ
I hope you stay calm and don’t throw no big fit
I’m off to punch cattle and chase the wild wind
And who knows some day I might stop here again
So thanks for the company, thanks for the fun
I’m saddled and leavin before today’s sun
I’ll think of you fondly while I’m on the trail
And I’ll speak of you kindly in tales that I tell
Sally read the short letter that Tom had left there
On her marble topped table by the fine brocade chair
She sighed and she smiled and she said, “Well he’s gone”.
It was well after noon so she didn’t wait long
She put on her red dress and rouged up her cheeks
And headed downstairs to greet the barkeeps
As Tom’s memory faded she glanced round the place
And saw a young drover with a smile on his face
She sidled up to him and said with a smile
“Haven’t seen you before Boy. Hope you stay for awhile”
“This is my place”, she laughed as she waved at the room
“My name’s Sally, I call it The Schoolhouse Saloon”
