Made up my mind in the early days
To quit my crowd and change my ways
To leave my native home for a while
And travel West for many a miles
All in the merry month of May
I started for Texas far away
I left my darling girl behind
She said her heart would always be mine
When I embraced her in my arms
I thought she had ten thousand charms
Her caress is soft and her kisses sweet
Saying, "We'll get married next time we meet"
It was in the year of '83
When A.J. Stinson hired me
He said, "Young fellow, I want you to go
And follow my cattle into Mexico"
Oh, it was early in the year
I went on the trail to drive the steers
I stood my guard through the sleet and snow
While on the trail to Mexico
Oh, it was a long and lonesome go
As the herd rolled on to Mexico
With laughter light and the cowboy's song
For New Mexico we rolled along
When I arrived in Mexico
Wanted to see my girl but I could not go
So I wrote a letter to my dear
But not a word did I ever hear
I started back for my once loved home
Enquired for the girl that I called my own
They said she'd married a richer life
Therefore, cowboy, seek another wife
Oh curse your gold and your silver too
Oh curse the girl who won't prove true
I'll go right back to the Rio Grande
And get me a job with the cowboy band
Oh buddy, oh buddy, please stay at home
Don't be forever on the roam
There's many a girl more true than I
So please don't go where the bullets fly
Yes I know girls more true than you
And I know girls who would prove true
But I'll go right back where the bullets fly
And follow the cow trail till the day I die