That broken left leg was to prove my undoing-
But how was a cowboy to know...
That riding while hurt was to bring on my ruin?
Besides I just loved rodeo.It never healed right, but I kept on a ridin'
Till I started "missing them out".
I finally decided to see me a doctor...
Cause I started having my doubts.
There's only so much you can blame on bad luck.
A man finally has to face facts.
That age gets us all, and injuries matter...
No matter how young a man acts.
"Calcification?" Now, what does that mean?
The Doc said, It's sad but it's true...
Too many breaks, and the riding while injured,
Just means, Stud, that you are all through.
I couldn't believe it; you know what I mean?
Convinced I could still make my ride.
Six months of losing, made me a believer-
For all I had left was my pride.
I carried my riggin' for nearly three years-
Till I met a kid in Mesquite...
Who needed new gear, so I gave him mine,
Said, Take it now, boy, and compete!
Sometimes in my dreams I still hear the buzzer-
And thrill to the cheers of the crowd.
I long for the lights, like the smile of a lover...
I guess I'm still "Cowboy proud".