Fantasy western for a dear departed friend...
Jesse "Clayton" Lawson was one of those rare breed in this world that made a kid feel like an equal, even though it wasn't true. He was the father of a close friend of mine and patriarch of the Lawson Family. Once when I was visiting, he mentioned to me that if he wasn't so good at raisin' beef and farming that he would have loved to be in the westerns. Hank, his son had written a tribute to his Dad, called "The Old Farmhouse". In no way, could I ever compete with this song, but here is my fantasy tribute to Jesse Clayton, his very own western. No need to give the outcome, the good guy always wins in westerns!!!
Jesse Clayton
Words & Music by Wade Farlowe
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Em C G D
Jesse Clayton rode into town today
Em C G D
The bank note was due, he had to pay
Am C
It was a needful chore
G D
The bills were paid, but not much more
Em C G D
Mister Clayton went on about his plans
Em C G D
A man as he is, knows just where he stands
Am C
Six hungry kids to raise
G D
It was coming on the holidays
Em C G D
So, Jesse Clayton went into town today
G C D G
Life is a mountain, faith is a stream
G C D C G
Hope is a fountain, saving all your dreams
Em C G D
Mister Clayton met up with Wilson Trace
Em C G D
Come Jess, have a drink with me in this place
Am C
He says, I have a tale to tell
G D
Can't say, you're gonna take it well
Em C G D
But, Stanford Jade rode into town last night
Em C G D
That man's bad, Jess, ya gotta do what's right
Am C
I know it's a long time past
G D
When you were here marshalling last
Em C G D
But, Jesse Clayton's here in town today
G C D G
Fear is a canyon, Courage, a trail
G C D C G
Peaceful abandon, your dreams derailed
Em C G D
Jesse Clayton counted shells in his forty-four
Em C G D
Pinned the badge on, walked right out the door
Am C
It was three long years ago
G D
Blood ran cold durin' the pouring snow...when
Em C G D
Stanford Jade took his Sarah's life that night
Em C G D
Mister Clayton prayed that he's doing what's right
Am C
Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord
G D
I only hope he welcomes me aboard
Em C G D
Cause, Marshall Clayton's here in town today
C D G C
Fear is a canyon, Courage, a trail
C D G C
Life is a mountain, faith is a stream
C D D C G
Hope is a fountain, remember your dreams
Em C G D
Jesse Clayton rode into town today
DD A AA E