A group of jolly cowboys on the Franklin Range one night
Their heads upon a saddle and the campfire's burnin' bright
Some were telling stories and some were singing songs
Some were smoking cigarettes while the hours rolled along
At once they began their talking of distant friends so dear
A boy raised his head from the saddle and brushed away a tear
This boy was tall and handsome, his faces showed a lack of good fear
His eyes were of a heavenly blue, he had light wavy hair
He said, "Boys, there is a cottage so far from it I've roamed
I'd give my pony and saddle to be at home sweet home"
We asked him why he'd left his home it being so dear to him
He raised his head from his saddle with tears his eyes grew dim
As he raised his head from his saddle and he gives a rub right o'er
Said, "Boys, I'll tell you the reason why I stay at home no more
I fell in love with the neighbors girl, her cheeks was fair and white
Another fellow loved her too and it ended in a fight
This fellow's name was Tommy Smith and he had been good chumps
We shared each other's troubles, boys, we shared each other's fun
It almost makes me shudder to think of that sad night
When Tom and I were quarreling I stuck him with my knife
I fell on my knees beside him and tired to stop the blood
That was swiftly flowin' from his side into a crimson flood"
I can almost hear Tommy's voice as the boys all gathered 'round
Saying, "Bob, oh boy you'll be sorry when I am under ground"
"Now, boys, you know the reason why that I'm compelled to roam
And why I am so far away from dear old home sweet home"
From dear old home sweet home