[Verse 1]
In the desert where we searched for gold
The days are hot, the nights are cold
Hank and Joe and me walked on
So bold and brave and free
For days and days we fought the heat
I got so thirsty and I got so weak
And when I fell 'cause I couldn't go
I heard Hank say to Joe

[Chorus]
"He's dying" (Dying, dying)
"For water
Hear him crying" (Crying, crying)
"For water"

[Verse 2]
Well, lay him down in the dust and sand, he said
"Joe, you know he's a dying man"
Leave him there and let him die
I can't stand to hear him cry for water
I don't remember how long I lay
But when I awoke it was the break of day
Buzzards circled miles ahead
I knew Hank and Joe were dead
My eyes were dimmed but I could see
A bed of gold nuggets under me
Now I know that it won't be long
'Til they decorate my bones
[Chorus]
'Cause I'm dying (Dying, dying)
For water
Can't help crying (Crying, crying)
For water

[Verse 3]
Well, they laid me down in the dust and sand, he said
"Joe, you know he's a dying man"
Leave him there and let him die
I can't stand to hear him cry for water

[Outro]
He couldn't stand to hear me cry for water