Cat. #0380 (MFH #572) - As sung by Mrs. Olive Coberley, Wheatland, Missouri on July 29, 1959
VERSE 1
As I rode out by Tom Shermans barroom
As I rode out, so early one day
I saw a young cowboy all dressed in white linen
All dressed in white linen as tho' for th grave
VERSE 2
Come, set you down by me and hear th sad story
These words he said, as I came riding by
I first took to drinking and then took to gambling
Got shot through th heart and then sent to my grave
VERSE 3
Go bear th sad news to my poor aged Mother
Go tell it, to my Sister, so dear
An' there is another, I won her affection
Who will bitterly weep when she hears I am gone
VERSE 4
Go bring me forth a cup of cold water
My flesh is all trembling, th poor fella said
But when I returned, th spirit had left him
Had gone to his maker, th cowboy was dead
VERSE 5
Then, beat th drum slowly boys, blow th fife lowly
An' play th death marches that carry me away
Take me to th graveyard and throw th sod o'er me
For I'm only cowboy an' I know I've done wrong