Page type: lyric reference
Artist: The Kingston Trio
Canonical path: /the-kingston-trio/desert-pete
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
Desert Pete
Read Desert Pete lyrics by The Kingston Trio on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
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Lyrics
Desert Pete
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I was travellin' West a buckskin on my way to a cattle run
Cross a little cactus desert under a hot blisterin' sun
I was thirsty down to my toenails, stopped to rest me on a stump
But I tell ya I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump
I took it to be a mirage at first, it'll fool a thirsty man
Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin' powder can
“This pump is old”, the note began, “but she works so give'er a try”
“I put a new sucker washer in ‘er, you may find the leather dry”
“You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe”
“You've got to give of yourself ‘fore you're worthy to receive”
“Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet”
“Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete”
“Yeah, you'll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there's a fire”
“Under that rock you'll find some water I left in a bitters jar”
“Now there's just enough to prime it with so dontcha go drinkin' first”
“You just pour it in and pump like mad, buddy, you'll quench your thirst”
“You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe”
“You've got to give of yourself ‘fore you're worthy to receive”
“Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet”
“Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete”
Well I found that jar and I tell ya nothin' was ever prettier to my eye
And I was tempted strong to drink it, 'cause that pump looked mighty dry
But the note went on “have faith my friend, there's water down below”
“You got to give until you get—I'm the one who ought to know”
So I poured in the jar and I started pumpin' and I heard a beautiful sound
Of water bubblin' and splashin' up outta that hole in the ground
I took off my shoes and I drunk my fill of that cool refreshing treat
I thank the Lord and thank the pump and I thank old Desert Pete
“You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe”
“You've got to give of yourself ‘fore you're worthy to receive”
“Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet”
“Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete”
“Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet”
“Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete”
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Who performs "Desert Pete"?
The Kingston Trio performs "Desert Pete", and this lyric page sits inside the The Kingston Trio catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Desert Pete"?
Yes. The related section below points to El Matador and Four Strong Winds with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by The Kingston Trio?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through The Kingston Trio's lyric pages.
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