One of the hardest jobs for the cowboy, albeit a seemingly relaxed one according to Holywood, Roy Rogers and the sons of the pioneers have a lot to answer for, was Night herding.

On a cattle drive at night, the cattle were easily spooked and often stampedes would start  in response to the slightest noise. To prevent this a cowhand would be appointed on a rota to ride round the herd keeping them calm.  To do so cowboys would often sing to their charges to calm them down.

This text is a traditional song that I first heard Rambling Jack Elliot sing at the Isle of white Folk festival back in the early 1960s. 

The reference to Cross herding, circle herding and trail herding are all types of riding pattern the cowboy used to ride round and amongst the resting cattle herds.

Bunch up little dogies
Why dont you lay down
You've wandered and trampled
All  over this ground
Bunch up little dogies
Bunch up

I've trail herded
Cross herded
Circle herded too
But to keep you together
Thats what I cant do
Bunch up little dogies
Bunch up

My horse is leg weary
And I'm aweful tired
But if I let you get away
I am sured to get fired
Bunch up little dogies
Bunch up