What are the lyrics of The Ballad of John Colter?

Answer 1

(WikiAnswers' editing format is difficult. Maybe someone can put the 4-line stanzas together for me and separate them. Very frustrating format routine. Anyway, here it is, stratight from Fess Parker's rendition...) Ballad of John Colter John Colter was a trapper, And he knew the ways of game,

But it wasn't for his trappin' That he won immortal fame. He traveled up the Yellowstone And discovered Colter's Hell.

But it isn't of his geysers That my yarn is going to tell. (nosir!) Sing of the bravest mountain man

Sing of the strong and the fleet

Colter's courage was in his heart

And his speed was in his feet. John Colter knew the Blackfeet Claimed the land off to the west, But he said he'd do his trappin' Where the trappin it was best. He went and took his share of fur, Then started back to Fort Manuel. (Fess Parker pronounced it ) But he didn't get no warnin' Til he heard the Blackfeet yell. Sing of the bravest mountain man

Sing of the strong and the fleet

Colter's courage was in his heart

And his speed was in his feet. The Blackfoot chief said to his men, "This prisoner is so brave, We take his clothes, then turn him loose, With a chance his scalp to save." They set him loose without his clothes, Without his shoes and gun. His courage was his only hope, A race for his life to run. Their fastest runners after him, Their lances wavin' high, The knowledge pounding in his heart That he had to win or die. Sing of the bravest mountain man

Sing of the strong and the fleet

Colter's courage was in his heart

And his speed was in his feet. Well John Colter ran and ran, and he ran and he ran Like an antelope in fright. Straight across the cactus thickets Like an arrow in its flight. Lungs a-burstin' with the effort, Every muscle starts to scream. Six miles of endless runnin'… Suddenly there's a stream. Dives deep into the water, Breathin' through a hollow reed, Leavin Blackfoot runners baffled By the wonder of his speed. John Waited til the red men left, Then walked back to fort Manual, Three hundred miles of barefoot trail. Said he'd like to rest a spell. Sing of the bravest mountain man

Sing of the strong and the fleet

Colter's courage was in his heart

And his speed was in his feet.