Dallas - I Wanna Go Home With The Armadillo

 

Dallas – I Wanna Go Home With The Armadillo

 

In my opinion, Texas has better songs written about it than any place in our country. I can’t even begin to list all of the great tunes that mention some aspect of the Lone Star State. Instead, on the next three pages, I’ll include the lyrics of a few of my favorites.

 

London Homesick Blues

Written by Gary P. Nunn

 

Here’s a live version by Gary P. Nunn & Jerry Jeff Walker:

www.

youtube.com/watch?v=g4Ppc3jz3GE

 

Well, when you're down on your luck,

And you ain't got a buck,

In London you're a goner.

Even London Bridge has fallen down,

And moved to Arizona.

Now I know why.

 

And I'll substantiate the rumor

That the English sense of humor

Is drier than the Texas sand.

And you can put up your dukes,

Or you can bet your boots,

I'm leavin' just as fast as I can.

 

I wanna go home with the armadillo.

Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene.

The friendliest people and the prettiest women

You've ever seen.

 

Well, it's cold over here, and I swear,

I wish theywould turn the heat on.

Where in the world is that English girl,

I promised I would meet on the third floor.

And of the whole dang lot, the only friend I got,

Is a smoke and a cheap guitar.

My mind keeps roamin', and my heart keeps longin'

To be home in a Texas bar.

 

I wanna go home with the armadillo.

Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene.

The friendliest people and the prettiest women

You've ever seen.

 

(Instrumental)

 

Well, I decided that I'd get my cowboy hat

And go down to Marble Arch Station.

'Cause when a Texan fancies, he'll take his chances,

Chances will be takin’, Now that's for sure.

And them Limey eyes, they were eyein' a prize,

Some people call manly footwear.

And they said “You're from down South,

And when you open your mouth,

You always seem to put your foot there.”

 

I wanna go home with the armadillo.

Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene.

The friendliest people and the prettiest women

You've ever seen.

 

I wanna go home with the armadillo.

Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene.

The friendliest people and the prettiest women

You've ever seen.

 

 

El Paso

Written by Marty Robbins

 

Here’s a live version by Marty Robbins:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn3JB51NH_M

 

Out in the West Texas town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl.
Night-time would find me in Rosa's cantina;
Music would play and Felina would whirl.

Blacker than night were the eyes of Felina,
Wicked and evil while casting a spell.
My love was deep for this Mexican maiden;
I was in love but in vain, I could tell.

One night a wild young cowboy came in,
Wild as the West Texas wind.

Dashing and daring,
A drink he was sharing
With wicked Felina,
The girl that I loved.

So in anger, I challenged his right for the love of this maiden.
Down went his hand for the gun that he wore.
My challenge was answered in less than a heart-beat;
The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor.

Just for a moment I stood there in silence,
Shocked by the foul, evil deed I had done.
Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood there;
I had but one chance and that was to run.

Out through the back door of Rosa's I ran,
Out where the horses were tied.
I caught a good one.
It looked like it could run.
Up on its back
And away I did ride,

Just as fast as I could from the West Texas town of El Paso
Out to the bad-lands of New Mexico.

Back in El Paso my life would be worthless.
Everything's gone in life; nothing is left.
It's been so long since I've seen the young maiden
My love is stronger than my fear of death.

I saddled up and away I did go,
Riding alone in the dark.
Maybe tomorrow
A bullet will find me.
Tonight nothing's worse than this
Pain in my heart.

And at last, here I am on the hill overlooking El Paso;
I can see Rosa's cantina below.
My love is strong and it pushes me onward.
Down off the hill to Felina I go.

Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys;
Off to my left ride a dozen or more.
Shouting and shooting, I can't let them catch me.
I have to make it to Rosa's back door.

Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel
A deep burning pain in my side.
Though I am trying
To stay in the saddle,
I'm getting weary,
Unable to ride.

But my love for Felina is strong and I rise where I've fallen,
Though I am weary I can't stop to rest.
I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle.
I feel the bullet go deep in my chest.

From out of nowhere, Felina has found me,
Kissing my cheek as she kneels by my side.
Cradled by two loving arms that I'll die for,
One little kiss and Felina, good-bye.