I found him by the railroad tracks this morning
I could see that he was nearly dead
I knelt down beside him and I listened
Just to hear the words the dying fellow said.

He said they let me out of prison back in Frisco
For ten long years I've paid for what I'd done
I was trying to get back to Louisiana
Just to see my Rose and get to know my son.

Won't you tell them I said thanks for waiting for me
And tell my boy to help his mama at home
Tell my Rose to try to find another
For it ain't right that she should live alone.

Mister here's the bag with all my money
It won't last them long the way it goes
God bless you for finding me this morning
Now don't forget to give my love to Rose.

Give my love to Rose, won't you mister
Take her all my money, tell her buy some pretty clothes
Tell my boy that daddy's so proud of him
And don't forget to give my love to Rose...