# The Cowboys’ Ball explained — Songs of the Cattle Trail and Cow Camp

> Chapter companion for Songs of the Cattle Trail and Cow Camp by John A. Lomax.

## What happens

A lively, rhythmic poem celebrating the energy and camaraderie of a cowboy dance, with vivid descriptions of dancing, drinking, and socializing under the stars.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Camaraderie

The poem celebrates the collective joy and unity of cowboys dancing, drinking, and socializing together.

## Character check-ins

### Uncle Ed

Mentioned as getting red from too many dippers of drink, needing to be hobbled.

### Larry Chittenden

Addressed in the exclamation 'Larry! would you watch his wings a-floppin'.'

### Henry Herbert Knibbs

Author of the poem, credited at the end.

## Key lines

> Yip! Yip! Yip! Yip! tunin’ up the fiddle ; You an’ take yo’r pardner there, standin’ by the wall!

The fiddle is being tuned with excitement, and you should choose your dance partner who is waiting by the wall.

_Opening call to dance at the cowboy ball._

> Big feet, little feet, all the feet a-clickin’; Everybody happy an’ the goose a-hangin’ high;

All sizes of feet are tapping and clicking; everyone is joyful and the party is in full swing.

_Describes the energetic and happy atmosphere of the dance._

> Uncle Ed’s gettin’ red⁠—had too many dippers; Better get him hobbled or he’ll break his leg!

Uncle Ed is flushed from drinking too much; someone should restrain him before he hurts himself.

_Humorous warning about a drunken reveler._

> Bronc, mam? No, mam! Gentle as a kitten! Here, boy! Shake a hand! Now, mam, you can see;

Is that horse a bronco? No, ma'am, it's as gentle as a kitten! Come here, boy, shake hands! Now you can see for yourself.

_A cowboy reassures a lady about his horse's temperament._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/songs_of_the_cattle_trail_and_cow_camp_se/chapters/the-cowboys-ball
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/songs_of_the_cattle_trail_and_cow_camp_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/songs_of_the_cattle_trail_and_cow_camp_se/chapters