The Last Loving Words

It's a long way 'round the Llano Estacado

We turned 'em north towards Colorado

Crossed the wide pecos

The sun it did bake us

But we're bound to make us a buck

Two thousand long-horn cattle

Some eighteen good men in the saddle

We knew of the dangers

Me and that old ranger

Paired up in this strange enterprise

"Goodbye, goodnight

So long, my friend

I fear that New Mexico

Is where my trail end

Think on me with kindness"

These were the last lovin' words

The trails have been all but paved over

So, too, has the time of the drover

But cowmen remember

That night in September

In Fort Sumner, these words could be heard

"Goodbye, goodnight

So long, my friend

I fear that New Mexico

Is where my trial ends

Think on me with kindness"

These were the last lovin' words