In the desert where we searched for gold   The days're hot the nights're cold   Hank and Joe and me walked on   So bold and brave and free      For days and days we fought the heat   I got so thirsty and I got so weak   And when I fell 'cause I couldn't go   I heard Hank say to Joe      He's dyin'   (Dyin' dyin')   For water   Hear him cryin'   (Cryin' cryin')   For water      Well lay him down in the dust and sand he said   Joe you know he's a dyin' man   Leave him there and let him die   I can't stand to hear him cry for water      I don't remember how long I lay   But when I awoke it was the break of day   Buzzards circled miles ahead   I knew Hank and Joe were dead      My eyes were dimmed but I could see   A bed of gold nuggets under me   Now I know that it won't be long   Till they decorate my bones      'Cause I'm dyin'   (Dyin' dyin')   For water   Can't help cryin'   (Cryin' cryin')   For water      Well they laid me down in the dust and sand he said   Joe you know he's a dyin' man   Leave him there and let him die   I can't stand to hear him cry for water   He couldn't stand to hear me cry for water