Just Saddle Old Darkie and give me the reins,
Turn his old nose westward to the black soiled plains,
So long old timer, I'll be seeing you,

That's the way that I want it now my job is through.

I don't want a send-off, just a shake of your hand,

You've been a good mate to a lonely man,
So saddle Old Darkie, I'll be gettin' along,
I've a long way to go mate, I'll be a long time gone.


[Instrumental]


Don't ask me to stay here, I know I'm too old,
To work on the station or a steer to hold,
I'd rather be driftin' when I cross the divide,

All alone by my campfire, my dog by my side.

I've got no ties here, it's just a place to sleep,

Except for you, old friend, there's no one to weep,
So saddle Old Darkie, I'll be gettin' along,
I've a long way to go mate, I'll be a long time gone.


So saddle Old Darkie, I'll be gettin' along,
I've a long way to go mate, I'll be a long time gone.


[From his album: "Songs in the Saddle"
Transcribed: Marten Busstra 2011]