Code of the West
The Old West didn't have many written-down laws
Most were gen'ral suggestions
But honest men followed a code
Obeyed it without askin' questions
Never steal another man's horse or especially his gal
Even if either is willin'
'Cos the end of that tale is you'll end up in gaol
And the second outcome's hardly more thrillin'
Hold a drink in your gun hand to show your friendly intentions
And any cowboy you've shot it's prob'ly best not to mention
I've been a drifter a drover a wrangler and a gambler
Played all games of chance includin' romance
If you're tryin' your best you're likely obeyin'
The Co-oh-oh-de the code of the West
Please take off your gun when you're plannin' to eat at a table
Before feedin' yourself settle your horse in the stable
Never try on another man's hat or indulge in fanciful braggin'
Most of all don't stir up no dust sitting 'round the chuckwagon
I've been a drifter a drover a wrangler and a gambler
Played all games of chance includin' romance
If you're tryin' your best you're likely obeyin'
The Co-oh-oh-de the code of the West
It was sometimes real lonesome on the early frontier
Just a bedroll for warmth no-one there to share your beer
Nights on the prairie could quickly grow cold
When a lonely young cowboy had no one to hold
Cowboys got two theories 'bout feudin' with women
One is real bad the other will never be forgiven
Always say "Howdy" when you pass a galoot on the trail
Cos politeness costs nuthin and one day he might settle your bail
I've been a drifter a drover a wrangler and a gambler
Played all games of chance includin' romance
If you're tryin' your best you're likely obeyin'
The Co-oh-oh-de the code of the West
Unwritten laws weren't that hard to obey
And many old-timers couldn't read much anyway
That was the code of the West