The Old Chisholm Trail

Randy Travis

About The Old Chisholm Trail

"The Old Chisholm Trail" is a cowboy song first published in 1910 by John Lomax in his book Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads. The song dates back to the 1870s, when it was among the most popular songs sung by cowboys during that era. Based on an English lyrical song that dates back to 1640, "The Old Chisholm Trail" was modified by the cowboy idiom. It has been recorded by the world's most popular Western singers, including Harry McClintock, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Bing Crosby, Randy Travis, and Michael Martin Murphey. Yodeling Slim Clark recorded a yodeling version in 1957 for his album Cowboy Songs. The song was partially covered in the now-defunct Disneyland attraction "America Sings". Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. In 2001, author Rosalyn Shanzer wrote a children's book based on the song. It follows the adventures of some cowboys and their cattle as they travel the Old Chisholm Trail from Texas to Kansas.  


Year:
1992
3:06
1,548 
#2

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Well, come along boys and listen to my tale
I'll tell you all my troubles on the ol' Chisholm Trail
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

I started up the trail October twenty-third
Started up the trail with the U-2 herd
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

On a ten dollar horse and a forty dollar saddle
Started out punchin' them long horn cattle
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

With my seat in the saddle and my hand on the horn
I'm the best dang cowboy that was ever born
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

It's cloudy in the west and lookin' like rain
And my danged old slicker's in the wagon again
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

The wind began to blow and the rain began to fall
And it looked like we were gonna lose 'em all
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

No chaps, no slickers and it's pouring rain
I swear I'll never night herd again
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

I cripple on my horse and I don't know how
Roping these long horn U-2 cows
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

Well, I went to the boss to draw my roll
And the boss had me fugured nine dollars in the hole
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

Well, me and the boss we had a little spat
So I hit him in the face with my ten gallon hat
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

The boss said to me, ''Well, I'll fire you
Not only you but the whole darn crew.''
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

I'll sell my horse, I'll sell my saddle
And you can drive all your long horn cattle
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea.

Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea, youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy, youpy yea

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Randy Travis

Randy Travis (born May 4, 1959) is an American country music singer and actor. Since 1985, he has recorded 20 studio albums and charted more than 50 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and 16 of these were number one hits. Considered a pivotal figure in the history of country music, Travis broke through in the mid-1980s with the release of his album Storms of Life, which sold more than three million copies. The album established him as a major force in the Neotraditional country movement. Travis followed up his successful debut with a string of platinum and multi-platinum albums. more »

11 fans

Written by: MOE BANDY, TEX RITTER

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Genre
"The Old Chisholm Trail" by Randy Travis is categorized as a Country and Western song, falling under the genre of folk music that originated in the Southern United States.
Legacy
Though Randy Travis gave a popular rendition of the song, "The Old Chisholm Trail" is actually a traditional cowboy song first published in 1910 by John Lomax in his collection 'Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads'.
Song Inspiration
"The Old Chisholm Trail" was inspired by the historic Chisholm Trail, a trail used in the late 19th century to drive cattle overland from ranches in Texas to Kansas railheads.
Storytelling Element
Like many Country and Western songs, this song typically tells a story. It reflects the experiences and challenges faced by cowboys on the trail, including encounters with wildlife and harsh weather conditions.
Artist’s Influence
Randy Travis is one of the key figures in the history of country music. His rendition of "The Old Chisholm Trail" follows his traditional country style, rooted in the genres of gospel music and neotraditional country.
New Version
While the traditional song has been covered by many artists in the past, Travis's version, featured in the 1990 album ‘Wind in the Wire’, gave a contemporary feel to the traditional cowboy song.
Impact on Popular Culture
Travis's version of "The Old Chisholm Trail" helped keep the cowboy tradition alive within the realm of popular music and contributed to the resurgence of interest in cowboy and western culture.
Style
Travis is known for his deep, smooth baritone voice and his version of "The Old Chisholm Trail" showcases these unique vocal stylings.
Album Success
The song appeared on the album ‘Wind in the Wire’, which reached number 6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Unique Fact
Randy Travis starred in a television movie also titled "Wind in the Wire" (1992), where he played the role of a singing cowboy, adding to the popularity and relevance of the song "The Old Chisholm Trail".

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