Castilleja

Oh, Castilleja
You're a prairie fire dancing in the wind
But you're cold as a High Sierra
Every time I try to bring your flower in

I promised you the gold in California
On a painted horse with reins of silver thread
But if I can't steal your heart, Castilleja
I'll end up with a price upon my head

You were bold, Castilleja
When I saw you at Mojave's drinking slow
Full of poison like an arrow
Was just trying to say how much I love you so

I promised you the gold in California
On a painted horse with reins of silver thread
But if I can't steal your heart, Castilleja
I'll haunt you like a fugitive instead

Two strangers make one darkened shadow
That moved against the papered wall
When suddenly, there loomed another
And Castilleja came to fall

So I lit out east of Inyo
To where the highway turns to sand
And there I met that heartless devil
Your desert flower in his hand

And I was quick, like a streak of lightning
I fired first and then he fell
Now I dream of Castilleja
A secret I will never tell

I promised you the gold in California
On a painted horse with reins of silver thread
But if I can't steal your heart Castilleja
I'll ghost this world long after I'm dead

Oh, Castilleja
Oh, Castilleja
Oh, Castilleja