Patanio The Pride Of The Plains
Recorded by Billy Walker
Written by Harry C. McAuliffe and Bobby Gregory
[3/4 time]
C G7 C
You look at the picture with a wondering eye
G7 C
And then at the arrow that's hanging close by
F C
Say tell a story as there's one I know
G7 C
Of a horse I once owned down in New Mexico
G7 C
He was swift as an antelope and black as a crow
G7 C
With a star on his forehead as white as the snow
F C
His arched neck was hidden by a long flowing mane
G7 C
And they called him Patanio the pride of the plains
G7 C
The country was new then the settlers were scarce
G7 C
The Indians on the warpath were savage and fierce
F C
Scouts were sent out everyday from the post
G7 C
But they never came back so we knew they were lost
G7 C
One day the Captain said someone must go
G7 C
For help to the border of New Mexico
F C
A dozen brave fellows straight way answered here
G7 C
But the Captain he spied me and said son come here
G7 C
Patanio beside me his nose in my hand
G7 C
Said the captain your horse is the best in the land
F C
You're good for this ride you're the lightest man here
G7 C
On the back of that mustang you've nothing to fear
G7 C
I'm proud of my horse sir I answered you know
G7 C
Patanio and I are both willing to go
F C
They all shook my hand as I mounted the black
G7 C
Patanio sped forward and I gave him his slack
G7 C
For eighty long miles over the plains we must go
G7 C
For help to the border of New Mexico
F C
The black struck a trot and he kept it all night
G7 C
Till just as the east was beginning to light
G7 C
When back from behind me there came a fierce yell
G7 C
We knew that the redskins were hot on our trail
F C
I rose up and jingled the bells on his rein
G7 C
And I stoked his neck softly and I called him by name
G7 C
He answered my touch with a toss of his head
G7 C
And his black body lengthened as onward he sped
F C
The arrows fell round me like showers of rain
G7 C
When in my left leg oh I felt a sharp pain
G7 C
The red blood was flowing from Patanio's side
G7 C
But he never once shortened his powerful stride
F C
Patanio poor fellow I knew he was hurt
G7 C
But still he dashed onward and on to the fort
G7 C
By good care Patanio and I were soon well
G7 C
Of his death long years after it hurts me to tell
F C
They write songs about him the cowboys still sing
G7 C
The legend lives on of his long flowing mane
G7 C
So look at the arrow that hangs on the wall
G7 C
It was shot through my leg boot stirrup and all
F C
On many fine horses I've since drawn the reins
G7 C
But none like Patanio the pride of the plains
