In the desert where we searched for gold the days're hot the nights're cold

Hank and Joe and me walked on so bold and brave and free

For days and days we fought the heat I got so thirsty and I got so weak

And when I fell cause I couldn't go I heard Hank say to Joe

He's dyin' (dyin' dyin') for water hear him cryin' (cryin' cryin') for water

Well lay him down in the dust and sand he said Joe you know he's a dyin' man

Leave him there and let him die I can't stand to hear him cry for water

I don't remember how long I lay but when I awoke it was the break of day

Buzzards circled miles ahead I knew Hank and Joe were dead

My eyes were dimmed but I could see a bed of gold nuggets under me

Now I know that it won't be long till they decorate my bones

Cause I'm dyin' (dyin' dyin') for water can't help cryin' (cryin' cryin') for water

Well they laid me down in the dust and sand he said Joe you know he's a dyin' man

Leave him there and let him die I can't stand to hear him cry for water

He couldn't stand to hear me cry for water