Artist: The Kingston Trio (peak Billboard position # 33 in 1963) Words and Music by Billy Edd Wheeler
I was travellin’ West a 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’r a try� “I put a new sucker washer in ‘er, you may find the leather dry�
“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�
“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�
Well I found that jar and I tell ya nothin’ was ever prettier to my eye And I was tempted strong to drink it, cuz 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
“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�
“Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet� “Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete�
Transcribed by Ronald E. Hontz ronhontz@worldnet.att.net
