Meaning of "When The Work's All Done This Fall" by Michael Martin Murphey

The song "When The Work's All Done This Fall" by Michael Martin Murphey narrates a poignant tale of sacrifice, longing, and the harsh realities of the cowboy life. The central character expresses his deep desire to reunite with his mother, whom he left behind when he embarked on his work as a cowboy. Despite facing hardships, he holds onto the hope of seeing her again once his job is complete. However, this hope is shattered when he dies while trying to stop a cattle stampede, tragically never fulfilling his wish to see his mother. The lyrics evoke themes of family bonds, homesickness, and the brutal nature of cowboy work, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those who chose this harsh way of life.