The Next Life


When you're riding the big circles you've got plenty a time to contemplate
I spend some time on religion, finances, the meaning of life and matters of state
On a beautiful morning, birds a singin' and breeze a blowin, just this past spring
I was pondering, maybe just a little dreamin', of one important thing

Now I am religious kinda guy with complete respect for the almighty
Being poorly dressed in church is something that I feel is unsightly
But riding that fence line got a little long and my mind went out to sea
If I was to come back in another life what kind of critter should I be

My first thought should be no surprise as I thought of being a horse
But kept in a corral or having a bit in my mouth ain't a good fit of course
I glanced toward the sky and thought of being a bird of prey
But I prefer my meat freshly cooked not in some nasty state of decay

I thought about dogs and monkeys, lions and wilderbeasts and even trout in a stream
But for one reason or another they were all eliminated from my reincarnation dream
It took me all morning but I needed to solve what really suits me
I kept on thinkin' while eatin' my lunch up under the old sycamore tree

It finally came to me like a voice though I swear I never heard a sound
There is but one animal that would make me happy the next time 'round
Up in the mountains with the deer and elk having four seasons my life would be full
If when I finally close my eyes forever I should come back as a big 'ol range bull