The Breaking of Ol Satan
Once there was a bronc, wild-eyed and mean
That couldnt be rode, by old hand or green.
Ol Satan was his name, as hed come to be known.
Everyone who tried him out was quickly thrown.
He had fire in his eye, and flame for breath.
He could buck, toss, and williwaw- to sit on him surely meant death.
He was cunning, strong, and knew all the tricks,
He trapped every cowboy willing to take his licks.
His fame went out, all round the globe.
Many came and tried, but all fell to woe.
Broncbusters, Bullriders, all types they tried.
Fell under his spell and under his hooves, only to die.
He was a devil, they said, and no man his match.
Soon no more tried, but if a fool came along, were happy to watch.
Theyd had their licks, and wanted more to fall,
Until of men Ol Satan had conquered them all.
Then one day a young Stranger came to the land-
Soft, quiet and meek, more like a dude than old hand.
He said, Ive come to set all cowboys free.
Im goin to ride Ol Satan. Hes waiting for me.
All the hands laughed, even the Fillies and younguns, too.
This Dudes a fool, Ol Satanll grind him to goo.
They gathered to watch as the Stranger entered the gate.
Ol Satan stood there, eyes a-glowing, hooves churning in wait.
Proud, defiant, untamed, and be sure no pityd be shown.
The strangers a dead man was the word whispered round.
The young man moved quick, and soon astride Ol Satans back.
No whip, no spurs, even a saddle did he lack.
He grabbed Ol Satan by the mane, and dug in his heel.
Saying, This ride is for Father, for Ive got to obey His will.
For six long hours, the dust and hooves and slobber flew.
Crowhopping, sun fishing, high-stepping, Ol Satan used every trick he knew.
He couldnt unseat the stranger, though the blood flowed fast and free.
The crowd roaring and clapping, watching the painful ride in glee.
Of words He said but a few -I thirst, Father forgive them, My God, where are you?
But the last ones He said ended the melee right quick.
He said, It is finished and Pards, that did the trick!
When the dust settled, Ol Satan stood there busted
exhausted, weary to the very bone.
The look in his eyes said all that needed to be said.
No longer to be feared, his hold on men gone and dead.
They looked for the Stranger, found Him nearby.
Broken, bled out, no longer alive.
The crowd walked away quietly, thinking it all done.
Two cowpokes with hearts laid Him in the ground.
The ride was the talk of the town for a couple of days.
Most never believed the Stranger could beat Ol Satan that way.
And even if Hed rode Ol Satan down,
It was still clear He was now in the ground.
But that third day, to the whole world came
both a thrill and a chill.
The Stranger theyd thought was dead,
Was up and walking round, very alive and well.
That was when the smart ones realized the Gospel Truth.
They would sign on to ride for the Strangers brand, and never more cut loose.
Hed ridden Ol Satan who had mastered them all.
The quiet stranger named Jesus had ridden that devil to a fall.
Ol Satan never was the same after that, even though he tried.
Hed been beaten once for all by the young Stranger who died.
Then lived again so all cowpokes, fillies, and younguns could see
Gods plan for them each, to set them all free.
By the way- that corral that was used,
And which the world often abused.
Now is all gone, but for three posts on the hill.
A bit of cross-piece hangs on the center one still.
Down to this day, round the camp-fire cowboys talk,
Of the day the quiet Stranger rode Ol Satan finished to a walk.
Broke his hold on the hearts of all men,
And give them hope and love and a life worth living again
