The sun was sinking in the West and fell with a lingering ray,
Through the branches of a forest where a wounded ranger lay;
A group had gathered around him, his comrades in the fight;
A tear rolled down each manly cheek as they bid his last goodnight.
One tried and true companion was kneeling by his side,
To stop the life blood flowing, but alas, in vain he tried;
To stop the life blood flowing, he found 'twas all in vain;
The tears rolled down each manly cheek like light showers of the rain.
"Draw closer to me comrades and listen to what I say;
I'm a-going to tell a story while my spirit hastens away;
Away back in Northwest Texas, that good old lone star state,
There's one that's for my coming with a worried heart will wait.
It's a fair young girl, my sister, my only joy, my pride;
She was my friend from boyhood, had no one left beside;
I loved her as a brother, and with a father's care,
I strove from grief and sorrow, her gentle heart to spare.
But our country was invaded, she called for volunteers;
She threw her arms around me, then bursted into tears,
Saying, 'Go my darling brother, drive those traitors from our shore;
My heart may need your presence, but our country needs you more.'
'Tis true I love my country, for her I gave my all;
If it had not been for my sister boys, I'd be content to fall;
I'm dying comrade, dying; she'll never see me more,
But in vain she'll wait my coming by our little cabin door."
