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