The song is actually titled, "Turn Me Around" (performed by Merle Haggard, lyrics by Norman Gimbel, music by Dominic Frontiere). when I tried to start looking the song up, every reference I found to the song was either a question ("Does anyone know the lyrics to..."), or, an answer. the problem arose when I looked at the answers given, they were always for ANOTHER Merle Haggard song that started out:
"When the whole world turns against you
And life won't let you be
When you need someone to turn to
Turn to me When questions go unanswered
And you wonder what will be
When you need someone to turn to
Turn to me..."
Needless to say, this IS NOT the song from the film!
This served to create a secondary need to getting the actual lyrics. The first being to complete my project, the second to set the record straight and provide the actual lyrics to the song!
Problem number two. Although the song is in the film, the song is not what many would consider a "complete" song. in other words, it was written for the film, and it stands as it is. It has never appeared on any album (LP or CD), nor on any single. The only place to hear the song is the film itself. It was written to provide a particular emotion or sentiment at a particular point in the film. In this case, to signify that Billy was ready to stop his outlaw ways and settle down with Sally Chisum (a plan that would later go awry!).
At any rate, I consigned myself to the not unpleasant chore of sitting down and watching the film, and then transcribing the lyrics as I heard them being played on the film.
So, without any further adieu, here are the ACTUAL lyrics to the song "Turn Me Around" / "Sally" from the John Wayne film, Chisum:
(Verse 1)
Used to wander, I’m settlin’ down,
And nothing I know can turn me around.
Settlin’ down. Settlin’ here.
Settlin’ here … forever … for where would I go?
When somebody here is needin’ me so.
Tellin’ me no, oh honey don’t go.
(Chorus:)
Sally! Roses and wheat in her hair!
Oh! Sally! I never dreamed you would care.
(Verse 2)
Used to walkin’, I’m puttin’ you down,
And nothin’ I know can turn me around.
Settlin’ down.
(Chorus:)
Oh, Sally! Roses and wheat in your hair,
Oh, Sally! I never dreamed you could care!
Stay tuned to the JWIDb for more lyrics, more news, and loads more John Wayne information!