I blew into Dallas feelin' kinda low
Thought I'd make me a bit of change at the Rodeo
Heard the line boss sayin', “You on'ry cowpokes
Fifteen bales to any man who can ride Showboat
Who can ride Showboat”

Showboat, you old cuss
I'm gonna ride you or I'll bust
Hold the rein, watch the chain
Turn him loose, that cayuse, I'm gonna ride

They put me in the saddle, rein here in my hand
Then I saw her sittin' there and watchin' from the stand
She was kinda pretty, blond with big blue eyes
I could see it hurt her so to see me have to ride
See me have to ride

Showboat, you old cuss
I'm gonna ride you or I'll bust
Hold the reins, watch the chain
Turn him loose that cayuse, I'm gonna ride

He bugged me once from runnin' then he looked me in the eye
I slid down around his neck and reachin' for the sky
Then he sent me flyin' like a little bird
Lord, I think when I came down, I eat ten pounds of dirt
Eat ten pounds of dirt

Showboat, you old cuss
You done fixed me up much worse
Hold the rein, ain't it a shame
That cayuse done throw me a loose and he broke my leg

I woke up in the general, feelin' kinda hurt
Till I found that blue eyed blond turned out to be my nurse
She fixed me up with patches and love I thought was free
'Til she said, “Now cowboy you're gonna marry me
Gonna marry me”

Showboat, you old cuss
You done fixed me up much worse
Hold the rein, ain't it a shame
I'ma gettin' married and Old Showboat, you're to blame