CIMARRON RIVER

I hope everyone has a Happy Fathers Day.

I had wanted to write an Oklahoma song since 2007, the Centennial year of Statehood. Only recently did this song come along as part of my ‘Life by Rivers’ collection.  I say it “came along” because that’s the way it happens with the songs I write. It starts with a phrase or an image and the suggestion of a tune and suddenly the lyrics just come tumbling out. I know I’m composing but it all seems more like a gift given and received. I’m grateful. 

 

This one’s for Diana.

 

CIMARRON RIVER

There’s a place that they call Oklahoma

She has been a good friend to me
I made my home where the buffalo roam
In a land where they live to be free

You can see it painted deep in their faces

It’s a love passed from father to son
Like the old man who cried just before he died
And told me what he wanted done

 Chorus:

Bury me by the Cimarron River
Lay me down near my home in the Plains
Where the eagle soars high in a clear blue sky
And wildflowers wait for the rain

Redbuds blossom in springtime

Cool breezes blow in the fall
Come autumn nights under stadium lights
We cheer for our team one and all

Red brothers and sisters before us

Were the ones to give this land its name
And throughout the years and a Trail of Tears
Had the grace and the grit to remain

 Chorus:

Bury me by the Cimarron River…

Folks smile here the first time they meet you

They assume that you’re already friends
They know hard times come to everyone
And they’ll stand by your side to the end

So if you like the wide open spaces

Then this is the place you should be
But lift up your head, it’s like Woody said:
“This land was made for you and me”

 Chorus:

Bury me by the Cimarron River…

© 2015 Dale Petley (Oklahoma City)