"The Rut" lyrics

Early fall descended on the dry back country Aspens
It could be any time now that the bulls start bugling
I watched the pack mule panniers, see the loads are riding even
Is it in my mind or did I finally hear one sing?

It's been ten years since I first came to the mountains with my father
A half pint in each saddle bag and stars in both my eyes
I don't miss the taste of liquor or really anything about it
But the temporary shelter was a welcome compromise

Oh friend, I'm gonna ride out of the rut I'm in
A little elevation and an open-ended prayer
Holdin' out for more than breakin' even
I've come back to the mountains and they're all still standin' there

The bull had come in tight and he was screamin' in dark timber
I could see his brown eyes movin', hear him breathin' as he wheeled
But tomorrow full of promise, I just lived there in the moment
Hunted back toward camp for enough grouse to make a meal

Oh friend, I'm gonna ride out of the rut I'm in
A little elevation and an open-ended prayer
Holdin' out for more than breakin' even
Well, I've come back to the mountains and they're all still standin' there

Oh friend, I'm gonna ride out of the rut I'm in
A little elevation and an open-ended prayer
Holdin' out for more than breakin' even
I've come back to the mountains and they're all still standin' there