El Viejo (For Ian)

El Viejo, friend of mine I think you left us just in time They're outta vodka, no more wine I think you left us just in time You know I hate to see you leave But it ain't no secret you believed You was meant for earlier days Wilder times and a freer range So old compadre Lord I know You was likely glad to go I hope it's easier in time For those of us you left behind They ain't dealin' blackjack down at Stockmen's in Nevada anymore And they'd wanna pay you six to five and that ain't hardly worth playin' for All's I seen was slot machines from wall to wall the whole casino floor Nobody hittin' seventeen playin' against the dealer that's for sure Mi amigo, mon ami Elko blues, indeed You know we did the best we could But the shine was off the wood We played up most all of your songs But with you and Don and Baxter gone That sure leaves some boots to fill And I'm not sure we ever will But on a slightly brighter side The Outside Circle guys They're still tearin' up the Star And Capriola's ain't that far They ain't dealin' blackjack down at Stockmen's in Nevada anymore And they'd wanna pay you six to five and that ain't hardly worth playin' for All's I seen was slot machines from wall to wall the whole casino floor Nobody hittin' seventeen and worse yet the Commercial's closed its doors Nobody hittin' seventeen playin' against the dealer rest assured El Viejo, friend of mine I think you left us just in time