Leslie Keltner (aka: Lulubelle) is keepin’ it cowboy. She pulled off another rootin’ tootin’ Songs of the Cowboys in Cody, Wyo. Cowboy pickers and cowboy poets from nine different states rolled into the historic western town. Starting with registration and reception at Buffalo Bill’s former hangout – the Irma Hotel – the event swirled from welcome to wow in about three seconds. Held each April, Songs of the Cowboys reflects cowboy life – the art and practice of bringing meat to the nation’s tables, especially beef.

Meat comes in many forms but only the beef industry has heroes on horseback. John Wayne didn’t ride off into the sunset on the back of an ostrich. The following can be shouted – military cadence style – especially if you’re talking to a vegetarian.

A Salute to the Cowboy Life

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A cowboy’s life is mighty swell,

At chasin’ cows he does real well.

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Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

He feeds them cows in winter time,

Rolls them bales and picks up twine.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Frostbite feet and nose and hands,

He don’t quit, cuz he’s got sand.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

He feeds in blizzards from a truck,

Drifts so thick that he gits stuck.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Spring arrives, the cows give birth,

Droppin’ calves on Mother earth.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Sometimes calfie gits hung up,

A cowboy has to know his stuff.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Hook a chain on two small feet,

Pull that calf; it slides out neat.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Mama cow gets on the fight

Tries to horn him, that ain’t right.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Brand the calves when spring has sprung,

Cowboy stained with bovine dung.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Trail the cows to summer range,

Bulls get busy making change.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Hayfields he must irrigate,

Ain’t no fun, this chore he hates.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Fixes fence, gets bit by ticks,

Scratches like he’s lost his wits.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Mow the hayfield, see a snake,

Dodge that reptile; mower breaks.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Stack the hay to reach the sky,

Work from dawn till daylight dies.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Round up cattle in the fall,

Wean them calves and hear ’em bawl.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Ship the calves on cattle trucks

Feedlots take ’em, grain ’em up.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Makin’ steaks for folks who eat,

Ranch-grown beef that can’t be beat.

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!

Give a cheer and have a beer

Made it through another year!

Saddle Up – One, two,

Spur ’em hard – three, four,

One, two, three, four, one, two …

EAT BEEF!