The Off-Side Wheeler

Check the thoroughbrace and the linchpin too

The mud is deep and the sky is blue.

Got a boot-full of bullion and a heavy mail sack

Six-horse hitch and a hump on my back.

Charlie’s on the ribbons, keeping 'em in line

While I’m holding 12-gauge, feeling mighty fine.

Keep your eyes on the rimrock, watch for the flash

Of a highwayman looking for a quick-fingered stash.

Sitting shotgun on a Concord frame

I ain't got a medal and I ain't got a name.

Just a buckshot breeze and a box full of lead

Keeping all the passengers away from the dead.

Yeah, the dust is my water and the road is my bed

Sitting shotgun on a Concord frame.

We hit the swing station, traded out the team

The off-side wheeler was blowing off steam.

A road-agent stepped from a greasewood clump

Thinking he could catch us on a uphill hump.

He yelled for the "halt" and he leveled a Colt

But the lead in my barrel gave his system a jolt.

I sent him a double-dose of whistling tin

And we left him in the gravel where the coyotes grin.

Sitting shotgun on a Concord frame

I ain't got a medal and I ain't got a name.

Just a buckshot breeze and a box full of lead

Keeping all the passengers away from the dead.

Yeah, the dust is my water and the road is my bed

Sitting shotgun on a Concord frame.

(Fast, clattering piano solo)

It’s a rough-lock slide on a steep-grade hill

If the brakes don't catch, then the mountain will.

Grease the axles, keep the leather tight

We gotta hit the station 'fore the middle of the night.

The box is rattling and the lamp is lit

Charlie’s got a mouthful of tobacco and grit.

We got a gambler inside and a preacher's wife

Trying to get to Reno with a whole new life.

They don’t see the hammer or the trigger in my hand

They just see the miles across the alkali land.

The payroll’s safe and the horses are spent

That’s another thirty dollars for the money I lent.

Sitting shotgun on a Concord frame

I ain't got a medal and I ain't got a name.

Just a buckshot breeze and a box full of lead

Keeping all the passengers away from the dead.

Yeah, the dust is my water and the road is my bed

Sitting shotgun on a Concord frame.

(Sound of a heavy wooden brake lever engaging)

(Horses huffing)

Whoa now, boys.

Check the seal on the box.

(Fade out)