There's nothin' like a big parade
to get a town excited.
And when the rodeo's in town,
folks' interest is ignited.

For kids and grown-ups, old folks, too,
the excitement comes all sizes.
You pay your entrance fee up front
to help make up the prizes.

And all the clubs in town take part,
each plannin' their own entry.
They build their float then guard their work
with one old cowboy sentry.

But no one ever steals their plans,
I wouldn't now, would you?
They're too blamed busy with their own
to care what others do.

Of course the bands need tunin' up,
and march around the city.
And all the girls are sewin' clothes
to make themselves look pretty.

The horses know that somethin's up,
they're warshed six times a day!
And brushed and curried till they shine,
they don't know what t'say!

E Clampus Vitus comes to town
with all the tricks they carry.
Young couples often choose this day
to be the day they marry.

The people come from miles around
to see this annual treat.
And cheer the queen of this year's show
as she rides down the street.

And everyone's puffed up with pride,
a famous cowboy's picked to lead it.
This here's the rodeo parade,
there's nothin' that kin beat it!

© 2006 by Hal Swift.
Used with the author's permission.