The Dying Cowboy

As I went out walking through Austin's fair city Through Austin's fair city one morning in May Was there I spoke to a handsome cowboy All wrapped in white linen and cold as the clay I see by your outfit that you are a cowboy These words he did speak as I boldly stepped by Come sit done beside me and hear my sad fortune For I'm shot in the breast and I know I must die Was once in the saddle, I used to go dashing Was once in the saddle I used to ride on But then turned to drink and then to card playing Was shot by a gambler and now I must die Oh Beat the drum slowly, oh play the fife lowly Play the dead march as you carry me along Take me to the graveyard and throw the sod o'er me For I'm just a poor cowboy and I know I've done wrong Go break the news gently to my gray haired mother Whisper it softly to my sister so dear But there is yet one far dearer than mother Who'd fairly weep if she knew I were here Come gather round me that set of jolly cowboys To listen to me softly as I live my sad fate And each of you ride and take warning And quit the wild roving before it's too late Six jolly cowboys to balance my coffin Six pretty girls Lord to sing me a song Take me to the graveyard and throw the sod o'er me For I'm just a poor cowboy and I know I've done wrong Beat the drum slowly and play the fife lowly Play the dead march as you carry me along Take me to the graveyard and throw the sod o'er me For I'm just a poor cowboy and I know I've done wrong