(Tony Banks/Phil Collins/ Mike Rutherford)
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Big Jim Cooley commanded respect, whatever he wanted he could get.
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The badge on his waistcoat shone in the sun.
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It ain't no lie, Big Jim was feared by everyone.
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In the saloon one evening Big took a bet
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with a rancher whose name I forget.
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He wanted a herd taken over the plain,
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He called Jim "yellow", he'll never do that again.
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He got mad!
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He threw his badge on the floor and walked out,
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He's gonna give it a try, he left no doubt.
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"Must be mad, must be mad!"
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The people wished him well, and good luck.
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"Hell, I don't need it!" He laughed, got on his horse and rode away.
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Over on the trail, Jim 'n' his crew of five
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Were trying their best to keep the cattle alive.
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The weather was hard, but so were the men,
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Though I don't think even Jim will try this trip again.
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His horses were edgy, sensing trouble ahead,
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But the trouble didn't start till the men were in bed
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A-whooping and a-hollering and flashing their knives,
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Big Jim and his men were jumped by an all-star Indian tribe.
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He was scared, Big Jim was scared.
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Alive, they called him lucky, but not today.
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Cos he died like all good cowboys with his boots on next to his men.
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Big Jim, he still won't lie down,
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For him the bet is still on.
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Some say he rides there, cursing still.
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Some say they've seen him.
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-----------------
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Ballad Of Big
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Genesis |