Shadow of the Cactus

[Chorus]
The shadow of the cactus
Is six feet long

[Verse 1]
For days and days I've walked it seems a thousand weary miles
The sun so hot, my water's gone, the fever's got me wild
Up ahead, I see a cactus tree and some dried out skulls and bones
But it's a place where I can rest in a shadow six feet long

[Chorus]
The shadow of the cactus
Is six feet long

[Verse 2]
This sack of gold is hardly worth the pain I'm going through
My lips are parched, my eyes are blurred, my strength is failing too
I'd gladly give the gold I got for one small glimpse of home
But that sun keeps gettin' higher, now the shadow's five feet long

[Chorus]
The shadow of the cactus
Is only fivе feet long

[Verse 3]
Oh cactus tree I'm not the first to lie benеath your shade
And cry for water, loud and long and pray for bygone days
Your needles press against my flesh, my hope is almost gone
There's no escape, there's no escape
Your shadow's four feet long

[Chorus]
The shadow of the cactus
Is only four feet long

[Verse 4]
The sun is blinding in my spurs, it's burning like a fire
And the silver buckle of my belt feels like a branding iron
I can see the buzzards circling as they wait to pick my bones
They have a way of knowing, when the shadow's three feet long

[Chorus]
The shadow of the cactus
Is only three feet long

[Verse 5]
Now the shadow's almost gone, but my burning eyes can see
The sun reflecting on a badge, someone looking down at me
It's the sheriff, he's got water, I don't care if there's no hope
He saved me from a fiery grave, I'll be glad to see the rope
So if you happen to be watching when they've had me back for trial
You can tell them at the hanging, why it was I wore a smile

[Chorus]
The shadow of the cactus
Is almost gone