Story Behind The Song

my blues loving dad told he has cancer. he fought and had this attitude to me, to go out like the cowboy he was, strong and proud.

Song Description

a high lonesome, slow walking blues about a dad who's dying of cancer A cowboy riding on a slow walking horse vibe, whistling here and there Small horns playing here and there, like in a Chicago blues saloon.

Lyrics

Verse 1,2:
I got a pappy, he was feeling down
the doctor said to him, that ole cancer's movin' round
and so my pappy said, 'give me another chance,
cuz I got one more smoke to smoke and I got one more dance to dance"
he said, "hey doctor, life's like a Ferris wheel, the day's go rolling round
and you feel what you can feel"

He said "now wait a minute, cuz this aint over yet,
so dont treat me like im some ole dog that you're putting down at the vet.
cuz I got one more dance to dance, even with my cane in my hand.
and I aint rolled over yet. and like a man I'm gonna stand."
he said, "Hey doctor, life's like a Ferris Wheel. and a Cowboy's gonna ride.
and a Gamblers gonna deal"

Chorus:
Deal me a hand, oh God understand, You know I ain't been no saint.
Lord I would change and I'd rearrange, if I could make life be what it ain't.

Verse 3
Well I think I thought he'd go on forever
My Pappy seemed so invincible
he stood so tall, strong and clever
but life as it is, it gives what it gives
and now I understand
that like a man he just took his own stand
He said, "hey doctor, life's like a Ferris wheel
and a cowboys gonna ride, and a gambler's gotta deal"

Chorus