I've got a friend in Southwestern North Dakota, in the Badlands, who ranches in some rough, beautiful country. We started pulling a wagon out to do his branding quite a few years back, and it's an experience everyone ought to get to do, at least once in their life.

the wagon

Have you ever been out in the spring

followin' the wagon with a crew

campin out where the cattle live

cuz' you got some brandin' to do

If you ain't never been out there in spring

under the good Lord's big blue ceiling

I'll tell you folks to a cowboy

theres few things that are as appealing

When you harness and hookup in spring

The teams on the bedroll and chuckwagon

feel as fine and frisky as you all do

And your spirits sure ain't draggin'

Theres some clouds in the sky in spring

and sure maybe a chance for some rain

But with bedrolls, slickers and teepees

you ain't gonn'a feel too much pain

The grass is always the greenest in spring

the calves are all fat and shiney

the sky for a roof and the earth for a floor

can make a man feel kind'a tiny

But the crew is cheerful in spring

and the boss is in a good mood

and you smile as you look at the cook

and think of the taste of his food

Cuz' grub tastes the best in the spring

seasoned with the cookfire smoke

and the air is like fine wine with your meal

and you don't give a damn if your broke

In spring time you've shrugged off winter

and the cold is a long time yet to come

you can rejoice and enjoy your life

not worry that folks think your a bum

Ridin' with the crew in spring time

maybe it sounds like I'm just braggin'

but I wouldn't trade it for riches and gold

ridin' with the crew, out with the wagon