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"