Many, many years ago,
Or so I have been told,
Prospectors used pack mules
When searchin' for gold.
They would strap on the pack,
And really cinch 'er down tight;
Then they would head out
At the mornin's first light.
They might be gone
For many months on end;
But the mules stayed with 'em,
A tried and trusted friend!
The prospectors suffered many hardships,
And often went without food;
But the mules stayed with 'em
Through the bad and the good.
But even before the prospectors,
Beaver were trapped by mountain men.
They too, used the trusty mules
To pack and haul each skin.
The mules were also used in wagon trains,
Helpin' the early pioneers settle the west.
They pulled many a heavy load,
But always giving their very best.
There aren't many uses for mules
In this day and time,
But he once was considered
As good as a gold mine!
So don't look at mules as
A simple or stubborn beast;
'Cause without the mules,
We might all still be livin' in the East!
Larry D
Background music, a Frankie Laine hit called Mule Train
