Lyrics
Verse 1
I left San Marcos with a dollar and a nameDust on my boots, fire in my veinsMama said, “Mijo, don’t let the hard road win”So I kissed her cheek and climbed inPast the mesquite and the county lineA red dawn burning on the hood of mineWith an old six-string and a restless heartI learned every mile can tear you apart
Chorus
Ride on, vaquero, ride onSing your trouble till the trouble’s goneFrom the river bend to the desert plainWe carry our love like a silver chainRide on, vaquero, ride onTomorrow’s waiting where the road rolls on
Verse 2
Met Rosa dancing by the feed-store doorHer red bandana hit the wooden floorShe laughed like thunder, held me by the handSaid, “Ain’t no fence gonna stop this band”But the sheriff came with a paper and a gunSaid the old ranch days were doneWe loaded the truck before the morning bellLeft that patch of earth we knew so well
Chorus
Ride on, vaquero, ride onSing your trouble till the trouble’s goneFrom the river bend to the desert plainWe carry our love like a silver chainRide on, vaquero, ride onTomorrow’s waiting where the road rolls on
Bridge
If they take the land, they can’t take the songIf they close the gate, we keep moving onMy father’s blood and my mother’s prayerTravel with me everywhereinstrumental
Final Chorus
Ride on, vaquero, ride onSing your trouble till the trouble’s goneWith Rosa beside me and the sunrise flameI’ll carve our future from an old family nameRide on, vaquero, ride onTomorrow’s waiting where the road rolls onRide on, vaquero, ride onOur hearts know the way when the map is gone
Outro
Our hearts know the way when the map is gone