Fifty Years Ago
Words and Music by Ian Tyson


I have always believed there is romance as well as tradition in this most ancient of arts.


If I could roll back the years
Back when I was young and limber
Loose as ashes in the wind
I had no irons in the fire
I could ride them wild young broncos
The adrenaline came quickly
And Juanita down at Mona's
Was my only hearts desire

We were living for the moment
And the sunlight on my silver bits
The ringing of my jinglebobs
Was the music of my soul
In the alley back of Mona's
I held Juanita in the shadows
How we held on to each other
And the lovin' that we stole

[Chorus:]

And the sighing of the pines
Up here near the timberline
Makes me wish I'd done things different
Oh, but wishing don't make it so
Oh the time has passed so quick
The years all run together now
Did I hold Juanita yesterday
Was it fifty years ago.

If I would have quit them broncos
She might have quit that business
But that was back in the fast days
You know before the wire
I bet I could still find her
Bet she's still as pretty
As when she was Juanita down at Mona's
And my only heart's desire

[Repeat Chorus]

©Slick Fork Music, ASCAP