Prime the Pump

In 1963, the Kingston Trio recorded a song called “Desert Pete.”  I always liked the theme, and I thought I would share it with you.

Desert Pete

I was travelin' west a Buckskin on my way to a cattle run
'Cross a little cactus desert under a hot blisterin' sun
I was thirsty down to my toenails, stopped to rest me on a stump
But I tell ya I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump
I took it to be a mirage at first, it'll fool a thirsty man
Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin' powder can
This pump is old, the note began, but she works so give'er a try
I put a new sucker washer in ‘er, you may find the leather dry

You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe

You've got to give of yourself ‘fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet
Leave the bottle full for others, thank you kindly, desert Pete

Yeah, you'll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there's a fire

Under that rock you'll find some water I left in a bitters jar
Now there's just enough to prime it with so dont'cha go drinkin' first
You just pour it in and pump like mad, buddy, you'll quench your thirst

You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe

You've got to give of yourself ‘fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet
Leave the bottle full for others, thank you kindly, desert Pete

Well I found that jar and I tell ya nothin' was ever prettier to my eye

And I was tempted strong to drink it, 'cause that pump looked mighty dry
But the note went on have faith my friend, there's water down below
You've got to give until you get—I'm the one who ought to know

So I poured in the jar and I started pumpin' and I heard a beautiful sound

Of water bubblin' and splashin' up outta that hole in the ground
I took off my shoes and I drunk my fill of that cool refreshing treat
I thank the Lord and thank the pump and I thank old desert Pete

You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe

You've got to give of yourself ‘fore you're worthy to receive
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet
Leave the bottle full for others, thank you kindly, desert Pete
Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet
Leave the bottle full for others, thank you kindly, desert Pete[1]

https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17353229/The+Kingston+Trio/Desert+Pete

I hope you had a Merry Christmas, and that God richly blessed you.  Jesus promised:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;

knock, and it will be opened to you.

"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,

and to him who knocks it will be opened.

(Matt. 7:7-8 NASB)

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[1] *Written by: BILLY EDD WHEELER

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided b