Brand New Shoes

by Matthew Welde

packed our bags in the afternoon

then we tied each horse, I cleaned my spoon

if I die before I wake

let Riley’s first-born have my take

may the sun shine down on me

 

across the pass where the rivers merge

i saw their camp, a thought occurred

it matters not how big the score

as how many thieves you divide it for

may the sun shine down on me

 

each one of us an honest man

but appetites devour a plan

first we must secure the gold

before men get wise and feet get cold

may the sun shine down on me

 

broke those men and we got the loot

i shot a man; stole his boots

we laughed until our breath was gone

but I would not sing that victory song

may the sun shine down on me

 

you can count from one to five

i’m liable if you’re alive

if one gets caught that’s the end

for all of us you understand

so may the sun shine down on me

 

i will not be returning dear

in part for greed, in part for fear

some will win and will lose

and some will try on brand new shoes

may the sun shine down on me