TALLGRASS EXPRESS

LYRICS:

My name is Margie Roberts and I ride the rodeo 
I grew up in the Flint Hills - The horse is what I know 
My dad would buy the wild ones; us kids would get ‘em rode 
We trained ‘em every day ‘til he’d get another load 

While the horses jumped and twisted, I learned to keep my balance 
Those childhood days of broncos - helped me hone my talents 
Soon the neighbors came to watch us - that’s how it all began 
The Flint Hills Rodeo was born - with the wild Roberts clan 

Soon I joined a Wild West Show - trick riding was my game 
The folks would come to see me - if the show bill had my name 
My special trick was standing - leaning forward in my “Dive” 
Held up by the wind and speed - I’d race around the side 

  The rhythm of a horse’s lope - comes more easily 
  Than walkin’ on the ground - on these legs God gave to me 
  I’d rather be on horseback - than any other place 
  Even when I’m on a bronco - there’s a smile on my face 

My horse and I would practice - all day in the arena 
I’d leap and do the double vault - like a horseback ballerina 
Side hang from the saddle - like the Indians used to ride 
Or lean clear back behind the tail - and do the backward drag 

I’d cross under the belly - while my horse would gallop ‘round 
The crowds would gasp and wonder - how I never hit the ground 
In western shows and circuses - even Madison Square Garden, 
I loved to hear the wild applause - as we’d finish up a hard one 

And-I rode in early rodeos - when women rode rough stock, 
I’d ride ‘em all and never fall - those bulls and saddle broncs 
Nineteen-forty was my glory - at the big one in Cheyenne 
I won the Ladies’ Bronc event - the U.S. champion      CHORUS 

Now my life is on the prairie - far from the crowd’s romance 
I raise and train my horses - on a little Flint Hills ranch 
My days are sweet and quiet - but I never will let go 
Of-those thrilling days and memories when
I rode the rodeo.