Charlie Rutlage

Another good cowpuncher has gone to meet his fate,

I hope he'll find a resting place, within the golden gate.

Another place is vacant on the ranch of the X I T,

'Twill be hard to find another that's liked as well as he.

The first that died was Kid White, a man both tough and brave,

While Charlie Rutlage makes the third to be sent to his grave,

Caused by a cowhorse falling, while running after stock;

'Twas on the spring round up, a place where death men mock,

He went forward one morning on a circle through the hills,

He was gay and full of glee, and free from earthly ills;

But when it came to finish up the work on which he went,

Nothing came back from him; his time on earth was spent.

'Twas as he rode the round up, a XIT turned back to the herd;

Poor Charlie shoved him in again, his cutting horse he spurred;

Another turned; at that moment his horse the creature spied

And turned and fell with him; beneath, poor Charlie died.

His relations in Texas his face never more will see,

But I hope he'll meet his loved ones beyond in eternity.

I hope he'll meet his parents, will meet them face to face,

And that they'll grasp him by the right hand at the shining throne of grace.