N. Howard Thorp: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Love on the Range

N. Howard Thorp

“Love on the Range” as printed in Songs of the Cowboys (1921).

N. Howard Thorp: Collected Lyrics Text 8 1921 · historical text
Public domainCowboy songFolk
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from Songs of the Cowboys, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Little gal, I’m not a singer; if I were I’d sing to you

A tale of love that sure would be a wonder;

It would beat them opry singers when they sing, “Love I’ll be true —

As true as moon and stars a-shining yonder.”

Verse 2

My hands are big, and clumsy — I can’t pick the light guitar;

And no doubt you’ll say my lingo’s idle prattle;

But what can you expect? I’m from the Double Circle-Bar,

Where all my fingers learned was punching cattle.

Verse 3

I know the trail blindfolded and I never knew a fear,

For I’ve followed it for years, honeysuckle;

I can shoot and throw a rope and brand a crazy, locoed steer —

I can ride a bucking bronc and make him knuckle.

Verse 4

I can quiet restless cattle when the leader's getting wild,

And the lightning flash is ’nuff to make you dizzy;

I can soothe 'em like a mother when she’s croonin’ to her child —

But it something makes a man get might busy!

Verse 5

But my song — it's meek and humble; there is nothing I can sing

That in any way my sentiments can utter;

Since I saw your flashing eye, your winning smile — yes, everything

In your outfit — they have set my heart a-flutter.

Verse 6

So, Chiquita, if you'll let me, I would like to brand you mine —

Will you share with me the storms and sunny weather?

Ah! Your arms, your lips, Chiquita — they are sweeter than old wine!

Come, we'll hit life's trail and follow it — together!

Credits

Written by N. Howard Thorp

Words by N. Howard Thorp. Historical text published in Songs of the Cowboys (1921); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

Songs of the Cowboys (1921), “Love on the Range”

The 1921 published edition (collected by N. Howard Thorp) is in the public domain in the United States (pre-1931 publication). Entries whose credited author died more than 70 years ago are also in the public domain in life-plus-70 jurisdictions; traditional entries are public domain.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-26. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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