C
G7
C
You look at the picture with a wondering eye
G7
C
And then at the arrow that’s hanging close by
F
C
Say tell a story as there’s one I know
G7
C
Of a horse I once owned down in New Mexico
G7
C
He was swift as an antelope and black as a crow
G7
C
With a star on his forehead as white as the snow
F
C
His arched neck was hidden by a long flowing mane
G7
C
And they called him Patanio the pride of the plains
G7
C
The country was new then the settlers were scarce
G7
C
The Indians on the warpath were savage and fierce
F
C
Scouts were sent out everyday from the post
G7
C
But they never came back so we knew they were lost
G7
C
One day the Captain said someone must go
G7
C
For help to the border of New Mexico
F
C
A dozen brave fellows straight way answered here
G7
C
But the Captain he spied me and said son come here
G7
C
Patanio beside me his nose in my hand
G7
C
Said the captain your horse is the best in the land
F
C
You’re good for this ride you’re the lightest man here
G7
C
On the back of that mustang you’ve nothing to fear
G7
C
I’m proud of my horse sir I answered you know
G7
C
Patanio and I are both willing to go
F
C
They all shook my hand as I mounted the black
G7
C
Patanio sped forward and I gave him his slack
G7
C
For eighty long miles over the plains we must go
G7
C
For help to the border of New Mexico
F
C
The black struck a trot and he kept it all night
G7
C
Till just as the east was beginning to light
G7
C
When back from behind me there came a fierce yell
G7
C
We knew that the redskins were hot on our trail
F
C
I rose up and jingled the bells on his rein
G7
C
And I stoked his neck softly and I called him by name
G7
C
He answered my touch with a toss of his head
G7
C
And his black body lengthened as onward he sped
F
C
The arrows fell round me like showers of rain
G7
C
When in my left leg oh I felt a sharp pain
G7
C
The red blood was flowing from Patanio’s side
G7
C
But he never once shortened his powerful stride
F
C
Patanio poor fellow I knew he was hurt
G7
C
But still he dashed onward and on to the fort
G7
C
By good care Patanio and I were soon well
G7
C
Of his death long years after it hurts me to tell
F
C
They write songs about him the cowboys still sing
G7
C
The legend lives on of his long flowing mane
G7
C
So look at the arrow that hangs on the wall
G7
C
It was shot through my leg boot stirrup and all
F
C
On many fine horses I’ve since drawn the reins
G7
C
But none like Patanio the pride of the plains
G7
F
C
