The Dying Cowboy Lyrics - Frank Fairfield - Frank Fairfield

As I went out walking through Austin's fair city 

Through Austin's fair city one morning in May 

Was there I spoke to a handsome cowboy 

All wrapped in white linen and cold as the clay 

I see by your outfit that you are a cowboy 

These words he did speak as I boldly stepped by 

Come sit done beside me and hear my sad fortune 

For I'm shot in the breast and I know I must die 

Was once in the saddle, I used to go dashing 

Was once in the saddle I used to ride on 

But then turned to drink and then to card playing 

Was shot by a gambler and now I must die 

Oh Beat the drum slowly, oh play the fife lowly 

Play the dead march as you carry me along 

Take me to the graveyard and throw the sod o'er me 

For I'm just a poor cowboy and I know I've done wrong 

Go break the news gently to my gray haired mother 

Whisper it softly to my sister so dear 

But there is yet one far dearer than mother 

Who'd fairly weep if she knew I were here 

Come gather round me that set of jolly cowboys 

To listen to me softly as I live my sad fate 

And each of you ride and take warning 

And quit the wild roving before it's too late 

Six jolly cowboys to balance my coffin 

Six pretty girls Lord to sing me a song 

Take me to the graveyard and throw the sod o'er me 

For I'm just a poor cowboy and I know I've done wrong 

Beat the drum slowly and play the fife lowly 

Play the dead march as you carry me along 

Take me to the graveyard and throw the sod o'er me 

For I'm just a poor cowboy and I know I've done wrong