Three words for Opera Lafayette would be: nimble, passionate, and open-hearted.

Joy of music, discovery, enchantment.

Relevant, passionate, and bold.

Musical excellence, beauty, and love.

Welcome to an evening of Opera Lafayette firsts.

Our first live performance during the COVID pandemic, our first Opera Comique completely in the vernacular, our first rural residency, and our first opera to include community musicians and audience participation.

We've been thrilled to be in southwest Colorado this fall, first rehearsing at the Mancos Opera House, and then moving outdoors to perform here in front of this historic barn and blacksmith shop on the Reddart Ranch, a home to which I've returned every summer of my life.

Our cast of singer actors enters through the barn here into the staging area.

Current Colorado COVID guidelines allow for a maximum of 175 people in the audience.

So we've seated our audience out on hay bales in the field beyond the blacksmith shop.

Our stage is built on a pair of flatbed trailers.

Our three professional musicians adapting Philidor's score are on one side, our community musicians joining in on the interpolated American folk songs on the other All of us at Opera Lafayette and here in Mancos welcome you to this premiere performance of our American adaptation of The Blacksmith Enjoy the show!

'Till night I'm at the bellows.

I'm here from break of day.

I'm not like other fellows.

I work, no time fer play.

All day long, I grab my tongs, Grab my tongs, I get along, get along, I sing my song.

Forge, keep heating!

Forge, keep heating.

And the fire leaps higher!

The fire leaps higher!

The fire leaps higher!

While the shoe I am beating.

The shoe I am beating.

The horseshoe I am beating.

I like a little tune.

Helps with what I'm doing.

Yes, a little tune, I sing a little tune, It helps with what I'm doing.

It puts a man in fine fettle.

It gives him guts and mettle.

Oh, yes clang-a-dang, clang-a-dang Clang-a-dang, clang-a-dang-clang en battant, taunt, [while I'm beating] J'ons courage, [I forge boldly ahead] dans l'ouvrage.

[in my work] Car le bien ne vient [Because riches don't come] point en dormant.

[while you sleep] Pa-ta-tant, pa-ta-tant ne vient point en dormant.

[Don't come while you sleep] Pa-ta-tant, pa-ta-tant Pa-ta-tant.

That's right, I'm French!

Chantant à pleine gorge, [Singing out, full throated] des que je vois le jour.

[as soon as I see daylight] J'écarte de ma forge, [I keep way from my forge] le sommeil et l'amour.

[sleep and love] Un petit couplet [A little song helps] graisse le souflet.

[pump the bellows] Un petit couplet [A little song helps] graisse le souflet.

[pump the bellows] Chantant à pleine gorge, [Singing out, full throated] des que je vois le jour, [as soon as I see daylight] J'écarte de ma forge [I keep way from my forge] le sommeil et l'amour.

[sleep and love] Tout en train des l'matin sans chagrin, [From morning on, with no regrets] J'ons courage, J'ons courage [I forge boldly ahead] Je bas l'fer feu d'enfer [I beat the iron of hell] Le marteau, tot tot tot, [The hammer] fait tapage, fait tapage.

[keeps the beat] Un petit couplet [A little song helps] graisse le souflet.

[pump the bellows] I sing a little tune, It helps with what I'm doing.

It puts a man in fine fettle.

It gives him guts and mettle.

With a clang-a-dang, clang-a-dang En battant pa ta tant [While I'm beating] J'ons courage dans l'ouvrage.

I forge boldly ahead in my work Car le bien ne vient [For riches don't come] point en dormant.

[while you sleep] Pa ta tant pa ta tant.

Here out West, life is rough.

A man's gotta be tough.

Life is lots of hard work, there ain't no time to shirk.

Pa ta tant pa ta tant With a clang-a-dang-dang, a-dang-dang A man earns his own keep, he don't earn in his sleep, In the West, in the West, if you snooze, then you lose.

Claudine!

Jeannette!

Got to get this place cleaned up.

Claudine!

Jeannette!

Where are those women?

Aunt Claudine Oh, no you don't, missy!

Oh, Lord Almighty.

They're fighting again.

By gum, I'll have my say.

I'll have my say.

Aunt Claudine!

No doggone way!

No doggone way That I'll let this selfish priss get her own way in all of this, no!

Shut your traps now.

Just stop crowing.

You got your work.

Now get going!

Marcel!

Oh, Pa!

Paix là!

[Hold your tongue] Marcel!

Oh, Pa!

Paix là!

[Hold your tongue] Marcel!

Oh, Pa!

Paix là!

[Hold your tongue] Listen to me.

Just hear me out.

Hear me out.

Just hear me out.

Hear me out!

Quiet down!

No call to shout!

Hear me out.

Please hear me out.

Listen to me.

Just listen to me.

Me!

Me!

Me!

Quiet down!

No call to shout!

Marcel!

Oh, Pa Just quit crowing.

Marcel!

Work!

Get going!

Marcel!

Paix là!

Ca m'impatiente.

[Hold your tongue, this irks me] Je veux vous conter cela.

[I want to tell you this...] That's no fair!

Stop talking French!

Don't you know that I just hate it when you go and talk that French!

Stop this bawling!

Stop this brawling I can't abide caterwauling!

Blame Jeannette!

That's enough now!

Blame my Aunt Pa!

No more guff now!

This here business, it's all her fault!

Low-down lying rattlesnake!

This here gal ain't worth her salt!

Like to give you such a shake!

Talk!

You talk!

You Talk!

Talk!

You talk!

Hope to god your neck'll break!

Lord know knows what all shame she'll bring!

The hussy ain't fussy, So pretty, so flirty, Hooks a man If she can with eyes and sighs.

Hush!

Claudine.

That's mean!

This fighting and biting.

I declare, Just ain't fair.

Grieves my heart When you start.

Sick of it!

Just quit!

Her!

So righteous!

Oh my, just so straitlaced, so two-faced.

Especially when She goes chasing after men!

Hush!

Both of you hush up.

It's all her fault!

Both of you shush!

It's all her fault!

It's all her fault!

Hush.

It's all her fault!

Both of you, hush up.

It's all her fault!

You just let her go on!

You just shush up.

It's all her fault!

Both of you gals hush!

You've got to stop this thing right now.

Ain't no way I'm giving in!

Quel vacarme!

Quel fracas!

[What a noise!

What a ruckus!]

Ain't no way I'm giving in!

You've got to stop this thing right now.

Ain't no way!

Quel vacarme!

Quel fracas!

[What a noise!

What a ruckus!]

Ain't no way I'm giving in!

You can shut your mouth right now.

Ventrebleu!

[Dang!]

I've had enough from both of you!

Get to work!

Claudine, you sweep this place out.

Jeannette, give me a hand shutting down this fire.

I dream of Jeannie, with the light brown hair.

I'm right fond of that song.

Borne, like a vapor, on the summer air I see her making eyes at all the boys, Casting her spell as they fall for her ploys.

Those ain't the words, I don't think.

Many is the cowpoke she's trapped with that brown hair... And now it's Cody she's lured into her lair.

I dream of Jeannie... Aunt Claudine, you got no right to be naming Cody in your filthy song.

Who the heck is this Cody feller I hear you two talking about all the time?

Oh, Pa.

He's the most wonderful, kind man what ever was.

See?

Like I told you.

This snooty little filly has snagged herself a feller.

You're one to talk.

You got plenty hounds sniffing around you, too.

Haha!

This gal ain't got no sense!

She'll throw herself away on some worthless cowpoke, and then where will you be?

You've got to get her married to a man with some money!

And right away!

Shucks, that's right.

Jeannette here is just about marrying age, ain't ya?

Why, I reckon I am!

Would you like to get married?

Well, to the right feller The right feller is the feller I pick for you.

What about Slim MacBride?

Slim MacBride!

Foreman over to the Lazy Rocking Horse Ranch.

Smart feller!

He's been making a bundle at that job.

But he's old enough to be well... you!

Besides, he's been courting Aunt Claudine all summer.

You can have him!

See!

I'd rather be single than marry that man!

Being hitched to an old man ain't nothing I could stand.

Pa, I'd rather be a single gal for life!

Now, look here, Jeannette.

Washing his long-johns and doing his chores!

Sweeping the cabin and mending his drawers!

Don't chain me up and make me be an old man's wife!

Allez, ma chèrie..

I don't even like him, he's scrawny and thin, Don't make me marry him, I beg you once again.

Pa, I'd rather be a single gal for life!

You ain't worried about stealing your aunt's beau, are you?

She said you can have him.

That's right.

Oh, that old grey man, he ain't quite the one for me, he ain't quite the one for me, ain't quite the one for me.

That old grey man, he ain't quite the one for me.

Feller's too old for sure!

Feller's too old for sure!

Feller's too old for sure.

Oh, that old grey man, he ain't quite the one for me Ain't quite the one for me, ain't quite the one for me.

That old grey man, he ain't quite the one for me.

Feller's too old for sure!

Well, that's all fixed up then.

Ain't it fortunate that Slim MacBride is on his way over right now to pay me what the ranch owes?

I'll make him the proposition, and you two can get hitched this very evening if you want.

But Pa.

In the meantime, I don't want you talking to no young cowboys.

Specially not this Cody feller or whatever his name is.

I catch you with a feller, you're going to find out what a hot horseshoe on your backside feels like.

Pa!

Hush up.

I'm going to go get us a bottle a whiskey to celebrate.

You give me a holler the minute MacBride gets here.

It takes a right smart feller to manage a household with two women in it.

You low-down rattlesnake.

You better watch your tongue, Mrs. MacBride.

Hold on!

Dagnabbit, I see what's going on here!

You've got a hankering after Cody yourself!

And so what if I do?

You want to steal him from me!

Maybe he's the one who's been chasing after me!

Now that just ain't likely.

Why not?

Maybe he'd like a woman instead of some silly little girl.

Woman!

Broken-down old nag's more like it!

I'd be careful how you speak to me, gal.

And to get me out of the way, you're trying to marry me off to Cody's uncle!

I'm a sweet gal, I'm a nice gal.

But when I make up my mind, you're going to find I'm not so kind.

Stand in my way, You'll pay.

Let me say: this gal don't play.

I'm not one of those gals who's needy.

But I am a person who sometimes gets a little greedy.

There're things that I could do to get a man away from you.

I'm a sweet gal.

I'm a nice gal.

But you better have no doubt If you go and stick your snout Into my business hereabout, Well, then, girly, best watch out.

Best watch out.

Best watch out.

I'm a sweet gal.

I'm a nice gal.

But, see, Cody belongs to me.

Just let him be or you might see What a tough gal.

What a rough gal.

What a mean gal I can be If you think of crossing me.

No more sweet gal.

No more nice gal.

But a gal whose charm consists In her fists as she twists the necks of people who --like you--like today-- get in her way.

I don't want us two to tangle, But I swear upon my life That I'm not afraid to strangle Any woman who is fool enough to think she's Cody's wife.

I'm a sweet gal.

I'm a nice gal.

But you better have no doubt I swear that if we tangle I will strangle you and Cody both, Yes, I'll wring your necks.

Wring your necks.

Wring your necks.

Fly in the buttermilk!

Shoo, fly, shoo!

Here comes your fiancé!

Fly in the buttermilk!

Shoo, fly, shoo!

Skip to my lou, my darling.

Skip, skip, skip to my lou!

Skip to my lou, skip to my lou my darling.

Mister MacBride, won't you dance with this gal?

Mister MacBride, won't you dance with this gal?

Nice and pretty and young and all?

She'll be your lou, your darling.

Skip, skip, skip to my lou!

Skip to my lou, my darling.

Now look here!

Shoot, well, no!

Can't dance with this gal!

Can't dance, though she's pretty and all.

Afraid I'm just too old for her.

You got that right, darn toot-ing!

You rude little hussy.

You apologize to Mr. MacBride.

I was only agreeing with him.

Gal's right.

Ain't no apology necessary.

Get your Pa.

He got something particular to talk to Mr. MacBride about.

And I got something particular to talk to Cody about.

What she got to say to my nephew?

How should I know?

Well, I kind of figured that you knew everything.

Oh, go on, you big fool.

Did you ever hear tell of sweet Claudie the fair, The prettiest gal from anywhere?

With two eyes like emeralds, And rubies for lips.

A figure like Venus and a face to launch ships.

Hoodle dang foldee dye-do, hoodle dang foldee-day, Hoodle dang foldee dye-do, hoodle dang Come on, help me out here.

Hoodle dang foldee dye-do, hoodle dang foldee-day, Hoodle dang foldee dye-do, hoodle dang foldee-day.

Now, Mr. MacBride.

That's mighty flattering, but I'm thinking you might be needing a woman a mite younger than me for a wife.

Well, they may make them younger, but they don't make them no better.

Now you just stop that talk.

L'amour est enfant de Bohême.

Here comes my brother, and he's got something to say to you.

Si je t'aime prend garde toi... (If I love you, take care!)

You make sure you get him hitched to that daughter of yours.

Oui, j'ai mon plan, Claudine.

[I have a plan, Claudine] Va te cacher dans la cuisine.

[Go to the kitchen and stay there] Here's Mr. MacBride, Marcel.

I'll just go see what sweet young Jeannie is up to.

What she say to you?

Oh, just woman prattle.

How be ye, MacBride?

None too rough for the ride.

Yourself?

As fine as a feller can be.

I come to settle the ranch's bill with you Show me what we owe you.

Show you?

I'll tell you what you owe me.

Afraid I'm going to need a piece of paper what the city fellers call an invoice.

What in-voice?

I tell you right now with my out-voice.

You owe me forty dollars.

Now hold on there.

I need a piece of paper.

You never did before.

Well, the Lazy Rocking Horse don't belong to no person no more.

It belongs to the First Colorado Bank of Mining over to Animas City.

And those fellers like pieces of paper.

Belongs to a bank, you say?

Well, I'd rather do business with a man I can look in the eye.

Or punch in the face if I need to.

Can't do that with a bank.

Well, I can't say I disagree with you much.

Smart feller!

Tell you what.

why don't we have us a little drink?

Woah!

I've never said no to that invitation I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry.

If the hard times don't kill me, I'll live 'till I die.

Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, rye whiskey, I cry.

If you drink that there whiskey, you surely will die.

You're talking like a Baptist preacher.

I'm not kidding.

That's a concoction I made up for a feller from up in the hills.

I'm cutting off his leg tomorrow.

Cutting off his leg?

Nothing else to do.

Grizzly done ate half of it already.

I'm just sawing off what's left.

Well, that's got to hurt.

No, with this potion, he'll fall dead asleep.

In fact, most folks would think he was dead.

Heart slows down to hardly a beat.

The feller don't know what's happening to him for about half an hour.

And then?

That's when he'll need this.

Lots of it.

I knew you was a horse doctor.

Didn't know you was a people doctor, too.

But I am.

A regular sawbones!

I'll be!

Folks round here know I'm good at horse-shoeing.

They think that's all I'm doing.

They judge a man by looks.

Knowing how to patch up a body that's failing, Or fix up one that's ailing, That ain't found in no books.

That ain't found in no books.

feller comes to me sick-like, I can tell what he needs mighty quick-like.

He reckons he is dying.

The end is nighing.

There's some things I got to mix up, Don't take long for me to fix up A potion that's so strong, Before too very long, A song like this just busts out.

Ta la la la la la la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la la, la, la ,la Right soon he'll croon his guts out.

The best doc in this town?

Marcel's the man, hands down.

Marcel's the man, hands down.

With ladies I got skills, too.

Your wife, she's taken ill, I will find a way to fix her.

Ta la la la la la la, la la la la la la.

Ta la la la la la la, ta la la la la la.

One shot of my elixir.

The best doc in this town?

Marcel's the man, hands down.

Oh, whiskey!

Please Pa!

Don't make me marry that old man Get, gal.

We're talking business here.

Get!

What was that about?

Darn meddling women!

Let's talk about what you owe me.

You can write it all down if you need a piece of paper.

Well, first off here Well, first off here Let's drink!

Now, let me think back.

Yes!

There's shoeing that gray appaloosa.

Appaloosa.

This year and last.

Forty dollars.

Forty dollars!

Well, I declare.

This must be some kind of joke.

"a bargain," you say.

Probably.

This ain't but highway robbery!

"A bargain," you say.

Probably.

This is just highway robbery!

Write it down neat.

What a cheat.

There on your sheet.

Ain't but deceit.

And then there's treating all them heifers.

Just what darn heifers?

I treated lots of old sick heifers.

Ain't had no darn sick heifers.

Buck a head.

I guess I should write it down, see what they say.

Buck a head.

Buck a head.

Slug it down!

Man, what a clown.

Allons, a votre santé.

[To your health] Now.

About that there blind palomino.

Palomino.

Yep, that there blind palomino.

Blind palomino.

I won't charge for my time.

No fee?

Free.

Free?

Free.

Free.

Free.

But there were all those appointments?

'Course, there's the cost of all those ointments.

The ointments.

That medicine don't come too cheap.

Don't come too cheap.

Six bits a drop.

Look, I'm going to need some proof when the bank gets my report, now.

And speaking of proof, Why don't you have a little snort now?

The bank, it just won't go for this.

Have yourself a drink.

The bank won't go for this, don't think.

Slim, you're too honest.

Now ain't that a shame!

You're just too honest Won't go for this don't think!

The bank won't go for this, Just to honest now ain't that a shame I tell you true, ain't that a shame?

Ain't you ashamed?

Just tell me true, ain't you ashamed?

I tell you true, ain't that a shame?

Ain't you ashamed?

What do you mean?

Can a man be too honest?

Of course he can.

Rich fellers, bankers and the like, they expect their employees to rob them.

That's how they know they're rich.

You be too careful with his money, he'll think you're feeling sorry for him and be mighty offended.

Is that so?

'Course it is.

Besides, listen.

You might be needing a heap of money real soon.

Like, for example, if you was fixing to get married.

Married?

You ought to hear my Jeannie, the way she talks about you.

And how she'd like to marry!

If only, Slim, you knew.

Get along, Slim.

Jeannie, Jeannie!

She'll marry if you ask.

Already you know Jeannie.

She's pretty as can be.

She's just the sort to give you a happy family.

Get along, Slim.

Jeannie, Jeannie!

She'll marry if you ask.

So here's the deal, MacBride.

You stuff that in-voice of yours with enough extras so's the bank fellers pay me a nice pile of cash, and I'll give the whole shebang to you and Jeannette for a wedding present.

What do you say?

Well... to tell you the truth, when my first wife died, I kind of promised myself I wouldn't make a mistake like that again.

What mistake?

Getting hitched.

LaVerne, in her final hour, She was fading like a flower.

The bells in the church's tower, They all started ringing: dong!

Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, ding dong!

Those bells was talking, plain as could be They was talking right to me.

Ding dong, ding dong.

"You've got to promise to your wife, That you'll stay single all your life."

Ding dong, ding dong.

I swore right then and there to be Exactly what she asked of me.

I would stay single all my life, And never take another wife.

And so I'm on my own.

I live alone, I can't just now Be breaking this solemn vow.

I've really got to, I mean I ought to thank your daughter.

I can't think how, Though I'm right flattered, I must allow.

I think back on that ringing.

I see them bells swinging.

Give thanks to them for bringing.

The message that they brang.

Ding dang.

Ding dang.

Ding dang.

Ding dang!

You can avoid lots of household strife, without a wife.

Yes, sir!

Yes, sir!

I must admit that life is good in my widowerhood.

I must admit that life is good in my widowerhood.

Ring rang.

Ding dang.

Bing bang.

Goll dang.

A man can duck a lot of strife if he stays single all his life.

And that is why I must decline to marry Jeannie, though she's fine.

Well, that's just bullpucky.

If you'll pardon my French.

I took an oath.

A feller only takes an oath so he'll have something to break besides his neck.

On top of everything else, I'm too old for your daughter.

Young filly needs an experienced horseman to handle her.

Pa, I truly need to talk to you.

Here she is!

Jeannette, ma chérie!

You was just saying how you wanted to get hitched, and what do you know?

Here comes MacBride asking for your hand!

Ain't that a coincidence!

Pa!

Now him and me, we're going up to the house to talk over how much that bank of his owes me.

And we'll work out all the specifics of the wedding.

You just give her a kiss, MacBride and we'll be right back.

Come on, MacBride.

Oh, Cody!

Why aren't you here!

I need you!

Left all alone in love, A gal can stand the pain.

When he is gone, she can go on.

As long as there is one thing, One thing to be sure of: She's going to see him again, the man that she loves.

Oh, my darling Cody, I always knowed he'd give me nothing to fear But my heart would rest a mite easier.

I'd feel a sight breezier.

If he was right here.

My heart would rest easier, yes, breezier, If he was right here.

Yes, my heart would be easier if he was right here.

Will you wear white, oh my dear, oh my dear, oh will you wear white, darling Jeannie?

I won't wear white, for the color's too bright, I'll buy me a foldi-roldy-tildy-toldy Foldi-roldy-tildy-toldy?

For our wedding.

Fine, darling Jeannie, fine!

Oh, Cody, I've got the most awful news!

They said you'd been looking for me back at the bunkhouse.

What's the trouble, gal?

That old aunt of mine's convinced Pa that he should marry me off .

Hell's bells!

Who to?

Your uncle Slim!

What?

And she's fixing to marry you herself!

Why would I marry that old crow?

So you ain't been chasing after her?

What are you talking about?

She said you was!

That old sidewinder.

I'll fix her wagon.

I'm twice as smart as her.

Never you mind.

I can get your Pa to come around.

I know how to handle That stubborn old man He's just an old steer That I've got to take in hand.

He just needs some roping; He'll do just what I say.

So hand me my lasso, The roundup's on its way.

Ride around, little dogies, Ride around them slow, Because I'm fiery and snuffy and raring to go.

Ride around, little dogies, Ride around them slow, cause I'm fiery and snuffy and raring to go Come on now!

Ride around, little dogies, ride around them slow, 'cause I'm fiery and snuffy and raring to go Cody!

You're making it all sound so easy.

If you really loved me, you'd worry a heck of a lot more!

Oh, Jeannie, gal of my dreams, How can you think I don't love you?

Darling, sometimes it almost seems I don't do nothing except think of you.

Darling I'm a wreck, my work goes to heck, when I think about you and your pretty neck I just expect, I just expect.

I'm going to love you There ain't no gal on earth so true.

Expect I'll love you 'til I die.

Sometimes at night, In the moonlight, out on the prairie, I hear an old owl call to his mate And she just calls back like a lover.

That's how I want us to be.

I want to hoot to you and know that you'll hoot right back to me.

That you'll hoot right back to me.

Oh, Jeannie, gal of my dreams, How can you think I don't love you?

All day on my horse at night of course, I always think of you.

Ain't no man on earth so true.

Oh, Cody.

I was plum crazy to ever doubt your love.

When folks say I'm crazy about you They ain't lying.

Cody dear, Cody dear.

I'm a fool for you.

I just look at you, My heart, it grows wings and goes flying.

Your smile and your eyes, they just enflame me.

Is that anybody's business?

No, No.

No, how can anybody blame me?

So if anybody asks me, "is it so, is it so Cody's your beau."

I say, "Yes, it's so."

I'm just a gal who can't say no.

If other women find you handsome, Well, that's a very natural thing.

Let them flirt and drop their hankies, Let them moon and make sweet cow eyes at you.

I'm the woman who will wear your ring.

When folks say I'm crazy about you they ain't lying.

Cody dear, Cody dear.

I'm a fool for you.

I just look at you, My heart, it grows wings and goes flying.

So if that old aunt of mine is jealous.

If she wants you for a beau.

Well, then, she can go ahead and tell us.

I'm the gal who'll just say no.

Just say no.

Just say no.

I'm the gal who'll just say no.

I say we drink to that!

And look here!

My Pa and your Uncle kindly left us two glasses of hootch!

Down in the valley, the valley so low, Hang you head over, hear the wind blow.

Hear the wind blow, dear, Hear the wind blow.

Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.

Down in the valley, walking between, Telling our story, here's what it sings: Here's what it sings, dear, here's what it sings: Telling our story, here's what it sings.

Roses of sunshine, violets of dew, Angels in heaven know I love you.

Know I love you, dear, know I love you.

Angels in heaven know I love you.

Down in the valley, the valley so low, Hang you head over, hear the wind blow.

Hear the wind blow, dear, Hear the wind blow.

Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.

Whoa, dogies!

What's happening to you?

All of a sudden, I feel mighty peculiar.

I've got to sit me down!

Right here!

Thank you kindly.

Now, that's better.

Cody!

Cody!

What's wrong?

My eyes are growing dim.

I'm feeling mighty sick-like.

It's looking mighty grim.

I'm breathing thick-like.

My heart won't tick right.

I'm going quick-like.

Ah, ah, ah, ah.

The bucket I could kick like.

Ah, ah.

I think this is the end.

Didn't know it was risky, taking a slug of your daddy's whiskey.

My gal, be brave.

You best behave.

Don't let your Pa Know I was here.

And now I fear the end is near.

I love you, Jeannie.

Don't want no bother No fight I mean -- 'Twixt you and your father.

And now I'm dying.

Don't you be crying.

It's just my time.

Ah, ah, ah, ah.

I'm dying, Jeannie, dying.

I'm dying.

You stop your crying.

It's just my time.

Here's my last breath!

A cowboy's death!

Oh, my lord.

I've killed my Cody!

And his body's lying right here in the middle of the shop.

Cody's right.

If Pa finds him here, I'm in a heap of trouble!

Eyes like the morning star, cheek like a rose, Laura was a pretty girl, God Almighty knows Strangers, not from around these parts... Weep, all ye little rains.

Wail, winds wail Maybe I can get them to help me.

All along, along, along the Colorado trail.

Eye like the morning star cheek like a rose Laura was a pretty girl, God Almighty knows Weep, all ye little rains.

Wail, winds wail All along, along, along the Colorado trail.

Hello, little lady.

We need.. Help!

That's right.

That's what we come to get.

Help.

No, you see... We got a sick donkey.

I think he's dead!

The donkey's dead?

Donkey ain't dead.

She said the donkey was dead.

He ain't dead, Banjo.

Little lady the donkey ain't dead just sick Listen, please.

We need the blacksmith.

The blacksmith?

The donkey's got shoes.

He don't need shoes.

Not shoes, you fool.

The blacksmith is a horse doctor, too.

Well, that's good.

Because you see, m'am, we've got a mare who's limping.

A sick donkey and a limping horse?

That's right.

Where we going to find a donkey doctor?

Please, I need you.

Horse doctor works on donkeys, too.

Now just get us the blacksmith.

He ain't here.

Well, why didn't you say so?

We'll be on our way, then.

Please, I need you to help me.

You see this feller?

Why's he laying on the floor?

Because, I gave him some of this to drink.

Looks might sick to me.

Well, so long...

So long..

But you've got to help me.

What the heck can I do?

I ain't no doctor.

I'm a preacher.

Maybe the blacksmith can help him when he gets back.

Well, so long..

So long.

No!

Stay!

You see.

This feller came calling on me.

Is that how you treat your gentlemen callers?

It was an accident!

But if my Pa finds him here, he'll have my hide!

Oh, I get it.

Your Pa's the blacksmith.

He don't want you entertaining no young men so while he's gone you do that very thing and accidentally poison one of them.

That's a real ticklish situation, all right Well, So long.. You've got to carry him out of the shop and put him somewhere!

Now ain't that a grand proposition!

Folks will see us two with this carcass!

They'll think they know what they saw They'll think the two of us done the killing.

And turn us in to the law!

Just listen, please.

Ain't that fine, so fine, little lady?

Can't you just see it now?

The sheriff and this posse coming To throw us in the hoosegow.

No, I won't let that happen!

Wake up, wake up, little lady.

Know that we don't give a dang.

This feller on the floor is your problem.

We don't intend to hang.

All right.

I won't ask you to take him out of the shop.

Just hide him here in the cellar.

No, thank you kindly.

Well, so long..

So long..

I'll give you a bottle of whisky for your trouble.

So long.. Two bottles.

So long.

Four bottles.

So long.

Hold on there.

Four bottles of whiskey?

What are you saying, Banjo?

I'm a saying that's a whole lot of whiskey for a little bit of lifting.

You reckon we can do it?

I reckon we can.

Let's do it, then.

Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Come on, Banjo.

Let's get this over with.

Oh, Cody, dear, I mourn your passing.

You're gone, my darling cowboy.

Oh, Cody, dear, I'll weep forever.

Away, you're bound away, Cross the river Jordan.

Yes, Cody, dear, I'll weep forever.

But Pa can't see me crying.

I'll hide my tears even as I mourn you.

Away, you're bound away, Cross the river Jordan.

Well, that's done.

Now about them four bottles.

I'll go fetch them.

Oh, no!

My aunt is coming!

She got the bottles?

No!

But she can help you with your animals.

She knows every bit as much as my Pa. That's good.

But you can't tell her nothing about what just went on here.

Well If you say anything about it, no bottles.

We won't say a word.

Who do these two want?

They came to see Pa about a sick donkey and a lame horse.

I told them you was just What?

As Pa, I mean.

Not as the lame donkey and sick horse.

Well, so long..

So long.

What you two want?

We want To see the blacksmith now.

He just went out.

He's coming back.

Well, lookee m'am, our donkey, He's jist mighty sick.

He just went out, he's coming back.

The left rear leg is trouble... ...lead this ass to water... She's limpin' half the day.

and he just started braying...

He's comin' back right soon.

Jist tell him all your troubles when he gits back home.

...you try to ride her and you end up swaying... ... goes hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw... You gotta help this critter, She's in a lot of pain... That's enough, that's enough, you're giving me a headache!

can you make it stop?

This hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw...

Goes clippy-clop, just clippy-clop, Just clippy-clop, don't stop!

...hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw... Jist clippy-clopp, won't you just stop!

All day long just clippy-clop... Hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw...

The miserable critter just can't stop!

You're giving me a headache!

A fella tries to ride the critter and... All he does is bray...

The blacksmith will be back, we'll let him take a whack!

The miserable critter just keeps on swaying Goes clippy-clop, clippy-clip, clippy-clop.

Goes hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw... Just clippy, clippy-clop!

Hee-haw, hee-haw!

Hee-haw, hee-haw!

Jist clippy-clop!

Hee-haw!

I want you two to stop!

Jist hee-haw!

Jist clippy-clop... Jist let the blacksmith have a whack.

He's a-comin' back!

We'll let the blacksmith take a crack!

We'll be back!

we'll be back!

He'll be back, he'll be back!

We'll be back!

There he lies, my poor dead cowboy, He was my life, my joy, my pride, Oh, but where are you now, joy?

Off into the sunset you ride.

My dear darling Cody, My joy, my pride, Oh, where are you now, joy?

Off into the sunset you ride.

Who'll care about me and my heartache?

My Pa?

I just can't let him know.

I've got to keep quiet while my heart breaks.

Can't let my pain and sorrow show.

What ever can I do now?

My life is through now.

I feel so blue.

So blue now.

So blue now.

But I don't dare let my tears show.

Not one teardrop even flow.

Whatever can I do now?

My life is over, done, and through now.

But I can't let one little teardrop, Not one, not one teardrop, Not one little teardrop, No, not one little teardrop flow, nor let my sorrow even show.

Whee-ha!

Pa and Mr. Macbride!

They can't find me here!

Watch out you don't fall in the horse trough, Slim.

I got lots to say in praise of liquor.

And I ain't ashamed to like good food.

Vittles, whiskey just ain't no way quicker.

Puts a fellow in a right good mood.

But know what's even sweeter?

Yeh, what is even sweeter?

And makes a home right neater?

What makes a home much neater?

And makes a life completer?

When you can have and hold for your own: fistfuls of gold!

Fistfuls of gold!

A cowboy riding on the ranges, As the song goes, his luck it never changes.

In winter snow blows in his ears, In summer it's the sun he fears.

And for friend, what's he got but steers?

He don't get down.

Don't give in.

Still, back in town.

They're living the life deluxe!

And who, by shucks?

It's the bankers and all their bucks.

Let's drink to their health, Yes, to their health!

And especially to their wealth!

Here's to their wealth!

Are you thinking what I'm a thinking?

Been thinking while you been drinking?

That my banker, he's going to pay.

He will pay exactly what we say!

He will pay exactly what we say!

Going to pay exactly what we say!

Let's drink to his health.

Yes, to his health!

And especially to his wealth.

And especially to his wealth.

Here's to his wealth.

That's right, Slim.

You get him to pay what he owes me, plus a little bit more, and I give it all to you and Jeannette for a wedding present.

Who's that!

Jeannette!

Hey... Go inside and tell Claudine to bring us something to eat and another bottle of the good stuff.

Don't you think he's had enough?

Hush up and go talk to your aunt.

And give her a little kiss from me!

I tell you, Marcel, that sister of yours is a mighty fine woman.

Just thinking about her makes a man want to dance!

Maybe you have had enough.

I'm mighty surprised.

Seems to me a horseman ought to be able to hold his liquor better than that.

Hogwash.

Ain't no man better than me at what I do.

Drunk or sober.

I can handle any hoss, From bucking bronc' to a pony.

Every hoss knows I'm the boss.

I don't take their baloney.

Give me a mustang to break, I'll break him easy as cake.

For the gals it's fundamental.

To break a horse that's temperamental.

For ladies, for ladies, a hoss has got to be so gentle.

With my touch, he'll be gentle as a dove, Ladies call me the equine God of Love.

But say some rodeo rider, He wants him a stallion, a strider, A racer, a champion, a fighter, Well, giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up.

Up, up, up, up, up.

No cowboy could be satisfieder.

I'll learn that horse How to tackle a course.

He'll gallop, and gallop, and gallop.

Because he's got the stuff!

You got a hoss won't go far, Just let that hoss hear my special holler: Yee-haw, yee-haw, yee-haw.. Just watch that hoss that you thought couldn't go far.

Running so far like you never saw.

That's my yee-haw.

Or, to put it another way: Brillaint dans mon emploi, [I'm brilliant at my job] Tantôt doux et traitable.

[So sweet and charitable] Le plaisir marche avec moi, [It's a joy to see me lead those horses] Tantôt d'un train de diable.

[Even if they're the devil's own] Je guide sous ma loi, [I guide under my law] le tintamarre et l'effroi.

[Even if they're the devils own] Si je mêne une Duchesse, [If I'm driving a Duchess] une petite maîtresse, [a little mistress] Je touche, je touche, je touche [I wield the whip] avec gentilesse.

[with such gentleness] On me prendroit pour l'amour.

[One would take me for Love itself] On me prendroit pour l'amour.

[One would take me for Love itself] Mais avec un petit maître, [But with a young master] je par comme le [I take off like] salpetre.

[saltpeter (gunpowder)] Mais avec un petit maître, [But with a young master] je par comme le [I take off like] salpetre.

[saltpeter (gunpowder)] Et rou-rou-rou.

[And growl, growl, growl] Avant de me voir paroitre.

[Before they even see me coming] On s'épouvante, on s'épouvante, [Terrified] on court, on court, on court.

[people run away] Au milieu d'une bagarre, [In the middle of the ruckus] A m'entendre crier garre.

[They hear me yell “garre"] Un sonneur deviendroit sourd, [Even a bell ringer would go deaf] I didn't know you spoke French!

Oh, I get around.

You guys want another bottle?

You two have been drinking all day!

May, be drunk, I may be bawdy, I'm coming after my green-eyed Claudie.

Hey, green-eyed Claudie.

Hey, pretty little green-eyed Claudie, hey.

Hey, green-eyed Claudie, Hey, pretty little green-eyed Claudie, hey.

Now you stop that, you big lunk.

And you folks, just stay out of this.

Wait one minute.

It looks to me like Jeannie didn't do what I asked her to.

I'm just going to have to do it myself.

Now, Mr. MacBride, you just behave.

I'm being haved!

I tell you, Claudine, I been so shy up until now that my love for you has been at a trot.

Seeing you today has got it going at a gallop.

Seeing you today has got it going at a gallop.

Seeing you today has got it going at a gallop.

Ho!

Ho!

Hold on there, Slim.

You're just about to be my son-in-law.

Can't be my brother-in-law, too.

This gal's got looks could turn a man from in-law to outlaw.

Mr. MacBride, you got no call to be talking like that.

I've got to take this fellow inside and out some food in him before he makes a darn fool of himself.

I'll sober him up.

You just stay away from him.

I'll make sure his love hoss goes galloping over to Jeannette.

Don't forget that kiss, Claudie.

You got one on account with me.

Cash it in whenever you like!

Cha-ching!

Cha-ching!

Cha-ching!

Well, I never.

Been a long time since a man talked to me like that.

That Slim MacBride is mighty debonair.

He might be a little old, but he got charms to talk the bees out of their honey.

And in French, to boot.

Ain't it funny how things can change?

How your mind can be downright strange?

Right now I find it revealing.

That a man I found unappealing.

Can give me a right funny feeling.

Here at close range.

Yes, it's strange.

That I change.

That my thoughts kind of rearrange.

When I see him at close range.

Now, that Cody don't look too bad.

With that hair and those teeth that glisten.

He's a regular Sir Galahad.

But it's his uncle I want to be kissing.

Guess when love talks, a gal listens.

Now that he's here At close-range.

Ain't it strange?

How a person's heart can change...

When she sees a fellow at close range.

Well, I best get and give that man some decent food.

Marcel's probably feeding him nothing but jerky.

Where am I?

Just about almost night..

Someone's put me in a cellar and pushed me out of sight.

I'm in a pickle and need to escape now.

What can I do?

Who put me here?

Don't know how I got into this scrape now.

I'm in a fix!

Her Pa must have found me with her.

That's why I'm in this bind.

Even if I was to escape now, The blacksmith and a posse would be on my behind.

I best stay put.

Even if it means I die here.

You folks have got to hear my tragic tale.

You're going to see and hear a cowboy cry here...

I hoped Jeannie would be my wife, Lord.

The one gal I hoped to marry.

And live with on the prairie.

Now I'm paying with my life, Lord.

It ain't right, o Lord above, To make a cowpoke die...

I'm dying for love.

I kind of thought that I might bleed under the hooves.

Of a stampede.

Or a gunfight might do the deed.

I never reckoned on love.

I'd be lying If I said I weren't.

Scared of dying.

But there's one thing My life roots on: That I'm dying with my boots on.

And it's your love I'm dying for.

I'm fixing to die.

Jeannie, don't you cry.

Oh, Lord above, I'm dying for love.

I'm dying for love.

Her Pa can't find me here!

I declare.

That brother of mine is the rudest man ever.

Blazes!

Oh, my stars!

It's some bandit come to steal everything we got Marcel!

Marcel!

Marcel!

Marcel!

At least she didn't recognize me.

Maybe I can still get away.

Oh, Miss!

Who is it now?

Got to hide again.

A little more careful this time.

You got them four bottles, I hope, miss.

You'll get your bottles.

Just help me get his body out of here!

Jeannie!

Gal!

I'm here!

I'm come to take you away from here!

Ahh!

His ghost, come to drag me to hell!

I didn't mean to poison you, Cody!

Jeannie, you're going to be with me forever and ever!

Aaah!

Aaah!

Well... so long!

You dangnab fools.

It's just a ghost!

Nothing to be afraid of.

Aaahhh!

Who the blazes are you?

Oh, Lord, whatever he might be, He's going to have to fight me.

I don't care what you can do, I just ain't scared of you.

I ain't sc-sc-sc-sc-sc-scared.

No ghost is going to deck me.

Come on, Goliath!

Your dukes up!

Just tryeth!

The Lord will protect me.

That's right.

Tonight, There's going to be a fight.

Twixt me and you.

I am a man of God feller.

Don't mean that I'm yeller.

I've won fights from the Plains... to Pocateller.

I ain't afraid.

I ain't dismayed.

Just because you're dead.

So what?

You're dead.

Don't mean I'm afraid.

Dukes up, you, Mister Dead Cowboy.

I can whup you, I know how, boy.

Sure you're dead.

Ain't afraid.

Your dukes up, now, boy.

Hear your bones crunch I'll land a punch.

Upside your head.

You'll be dead.

Hold on.

Hold on.

Wait a mite, that's right.

You're already dead!

Hey, forget and forgive And just let me live!

What the heck are those women gibbering about?

That ain't no ghost.

That's nothing but a goshdarn rustler.

I've nabbed me a hundred of you pesky rustlers, Just round you up quick-like, and move you along.

My trusty old lariat to hog-tie you, I ride to the sheriff, singing this song.

Whoopee ti-yi-yo, get along, little dogies, It's you're misfortune and none of my own.

Whoopee-ti-yi-yo, get along, little dogies.

For sure, the hoosegow will be your new home.

Whoopee ti-yi-yo, get along, little dogies, For sure, the hoosegow will be your new home!

Whoopee-ti-yi-yo, get along, little dogies.

For sure, the hoosegow will be your new home.

I ain't no rustler, and I'll defy any man who says it.

But I done walked through the valley of the shadow of death today, and I sure don't to answer to the likes of you.

Yes, they nailed Him to the cross, Yes they nailed Him to the cross, And He never said a mumbling word.

Yes they nailed Him to the cross, And He never said a mumbling word.

He just hung down his head, Don't try to fool me, fellow.

I know you're up to no-good.

Stop there!

Mon cher!

Explain!

Now just listen here, Got you!

Caught you!

Tell me what' your name!

Your pappy!

Your mammy!

Your brothers!

Your sisters!

And all your kids you put to shame!

You're a rustler, ain't you?

Hold still, man, why can't you?

God's my only judge.

It ain't you!

I sure don't deserve your blame.

This here fellow won't come near me.

I'll bet there's reason for him to fear me!

Listen to me, Lord!

Stop there!

Mon cher!

Hush up!

Speak up!

And tell your name!

See, now, he won't come near me!

He's got good cause to fear me!

He's here to steal my horses!

I've caught a rustler stealing my stock!

He won't escape me now!

It just ain't what you fellows think.

Where'd he come from?

It's two to one!

I need a gun!

There's a gang of them, I see now!

This is bad as bad can be now!

Dead and living after me now!

Please, just listen once to me!

You won't get the best of me now!

Please, don't be afraid of me!

There's just one thing I want from you.

I've got to do what I've got to do!

Stand back, you!

Stand back, you!

Come closer and you're through!

Just one thing I want from you!

I can handle both of you, now!

Let me marry Jeannie, do!

Lord, help me here!

See me through, now!

Give me that gal I beg of you I beg of you!

I just said!

One step, you're through!

I beg of you!

Lord, see me through!

What is this hellacious ruckus?

Cody!

What the Sam Hill you doing here?

Cody?

You're that cowboy the women been fighting over?

Yes, sir.

I'm in love with your daughter, and I aim to marry her.

And who the blazes are you?

I just come to see the horse doctor.

In this place here I'm coming courting.

I love Jeannie with all of my heart.

I will marry this gal, she's my treasure.

So I ask, sir, don't tear us apart.

Well, now.

Come and stand by my side, if you love me.

And we hope that we'll never say adieu, We'll live in this dear Mancos valley, I'm the cowboy who loves you so true.

Well now look here...

I've been thinking a long time, my darling, About those sweet words and what I would say.

Now I know what I'll give as my answer, I'm your wife and won't ever go away.

Now just a goshdarn minute.

Come and live by my side, because I love you, And we'll never again say adieu.

We'll live here in the dear Mancos Valley.

Gal and cowboy who love each other true.

Well, that settles it.

Settles what?

These young ones is plum gone on each other It's the two of them ought to be marrying.

But it's you I wanted for a son-in-law!

Would brother-in-law do just as well?

If, that is, this pretty lady is of a mind to marry a broken-down old wreck like me.

I thought you'd never ask!

Woo-hoo!!

Haha!

Seems love, it's just like hammering steel.

All you young ones, you might feel smithing is different from love, But it's not, son.

It's just the same, you forge or you woo.

Want love that's true?

A good horseshoe?

You've got to strike when that iron's hot, son.

Tot tot tot battez chaud, [Strike while it's hot] tot tot tot bon courage, [Be bold] Il faut avoir coeur a l'ouvrage.

[Youve got to put your heart in your work] Tot tot tot battez chaud, [Strike while it's hot] Battez le fer quand il est chaud [Strike the iron while it's hot] Tot tot tot battez/battons chaud [(Let's) Strike while it's hot] You've got to give the thing a shot!

You just strike.

You just strike, you just strike while the iron's hot!

Love, o love, o mighty love, Let's see what mighty love can do.

Love between two folks of course, Love between a man and horse.

Like that horse's lucky shoe-- Let's see what mighty love can do!

Love that blooms in mountain air.

Love that city folk can share.

In Mancos, New York, DC, too.

Let's see what mighty love can do.

Love, yes, love can take us higher.

Forged like iron in the fire.

Love for me and love for you.

Let's see what mighty love can do!

Love, invented back in France.

Now, this country gets a chance.

Love, o mighty love, Let's see what mighty love can do.

Love, o love, o mighty love, Let's see what mighty love can do.

Love, o love, o mighty love, Let's see what mighty love can do!

Love, but stay six feet away!

Don't find what careless love can do.

Love, but stay six feet away!

Don't find what careless love can do!