Beat the drum slowly and play the fife lowly

For I'm a young cowboy I know I've done wrong

As I walked out in the streets of Laredo as I walked out in Laredo one day

I spied a poor cowboy wrapped in white linen

Wrapped in white linen as cold as the clay

I see by your outfit that you are a cowboy

These words he did say as I boldly stepped by

Come sit down beside me and hear my sad story

Got shot in the breast and I know I must die

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 a young cowboy I know I've done wrong

Twas once in the saddle I used to go dashing

Twas once in the saddle I used to go gay

First got to drinking then two card playing

Got shot in the breast and I'm dying today

Beat the drum slowly and play the fife lowly

For I'm a young cowboy I know I've done wrong