Streets of LaredoThe Cowboy's Lament |
Cowboy traditional
As I walked out in the streets of Laredo, As I walked out in Laredo one day, I spied a poor cowboy wrapped up in white linen, Wrapped up in white linen as cold as the clay.
2. "Oh, beat the drum slowly and play the fife lowly,
3. "I see by your outfit that you are a cowboy"
4. "Let sixteen gamblers come handle my coffin
5. "My friends and relations they live in the Nation, | 6. "It was once in the saddle I used to go dashing, It was once in the saddle I used to go gay; First to the dram-house and then to the card-house; Got shot in the breast and I am dying today.
7. "Get six jolly cowboyus to carry my coffin;
8. "Then swing your rope slowly and rattle your spurs lowly,
9. "Oh, bury beside me my knife and six-shooter,
10. "Go bring me a cup, a cup of cold water, |
11. We beat the drum slowly and played the fife lowly, And bitterly wept as we bore him along; For we all loved our comrade, so brave, young and handsome, We all loved our comrade although he'd done wrong. |