Billy Edd Wheeler
I was travelin` West of Buckskin on my to a cattle run, `cross a little cactus desert under a hard bargaining sun. Thirsty down to my toenails, I stopped to rest me on a stump, but I tell you I just couldn`t believe it when I saw that water pump. I took it to be a mirage at first. It`ll fool a thirsty man. Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin` powder can. "This pump is old," the note began, "but she works. So give`er a try. I put a new sucker washer in `er. You may find the leather dry.
Chorus:
You`ve got to prime the pump. You must have faith and believe. You`ve got to give of yourself `fore you`re worthy to receive.
Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face to your feet. Leave the bottle full for others. Thank you kindly, Desert Pete.
Yeah, you`ll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there`s a fire. Under the rock you`ll find some water left there in a bitter`s jar. Now there`s just enough to prime it with, so don`t you go drinkin` first. Just pour it in and pump like mad and, buddy, you`ll quench your thirst.
(Chorus)
Well, I found the jar, and I tell you, nothin` was ever prettier to my eye and I was tempted strong to drink it because that pump looked mighty dry, but the note went on, "Have faith, my friend, there`s water down below. You`ve got to give to really get. I`m the one who ought to know."
So I poured in the jar and started pumpin` and I heard a beautiful sound of water bubblin` `n` splashin` up out of that hole in the ground. Then I took off my shoes and drunk my fill of that cold refreshin` treat. Tthen I thanked the Lord, and I thanked the pump, and I thanked old Desert Pete.
(Chorus)
