Well I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle   For a lifetime of watching from the stands   [ guitar ]   His Stetson was faded and battered and worn   The stubble of his beard showed flex of gray   His limp was severe cause a leg had been torn by a bronc in his rodeo days   He hung round the chutes while we waited to mount   With a vague look of longing in his eyes   He spoke very few words but he made 'em count   He was broken forgotten but wise   He said life's is just like ridin' broncs its a battle   Then he rolled a cigarette with shaky hands   Son I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle   For a lifetime of watching from the stands   [ guitar ]   I noticed the cigarette burns on his vest   And the rembrandt of a dream left in his eyes   The boys said he could have well been the best   Had not fate cheated him of his prize   Oh but I learned a lesson that I'd never known   From this guy who'd been busted so bad   It's better to ride even if you get throwed   Than to wind up just wishing you had   He said life's is just like...   Yes I'll gladly take ten seconds in the saddle   For a lifetime of watching from the stands