Streets Of Laredo

The Cowboy's Lament or Streets of Laredo (1876) by Francis Henry Maynard As I walked out in the streets of Laredo, As I walked out in Laredo one day, I spied a young cowboy wrapped up in white linen, Wrapped up in white linen and cold as the clay. "O beat the drum slowly and play the fife lowly; Play the Dead March as you carry me along. Take me to the green valley and lay the sod o're me, For I'm a young cowboy and I know I done wrong." "I see by your outfit that your are a cowboy." These words he did say as I boldly stepped by. "Come sit down beside me and hear my sad story; I'm shot in the breast and I know I must die." "My friends and relations they live in the Nation: They know not where their dear boy has gone. I first came to Texas and hired to a ranchman, O I'm a young cowboy and I know I've done wrong."