The sun was sinking in the west and fell with a lingering ray
Through the branches of a forest where a wounded ranger lay
A group had gathered around him, his comrades in a fight
A tear rolled down each manly cheek as they bid his last good-bye
One tried and true companion was kneeling by his side
To stop the life-blood flowing, but alas in vain he tried
To stop the life-blood flowing, he found was all in vain
The tear rolled down each manly cheek like light showers of rain
Jog closer to me, comrades, and listen to what I say
I'm gonna tell a story while my spirit hastens away
Way back in northwest Texas, that good old Lone Star State
There's one that's for my coming, with a worried heart will wait
It's a fair young girl, my sister, my only joy, my pride
She was my friend from boyhood, had no one left beside
I loved her as a brother and with a father's care
I strove from grief and sorrow her gentle heart to spare
But our country was invaded, she called for volunteers
She threw her arms around me, then bursted into tears
Saying, oh, my darling brother, drive the traitors from our shore
My heart may need your presence, but our country needs you more
It's true I love my country, for her I gave my all
If it had not been for my sister, boys, I'd be content to fall
I'm dying, comrades, dying, she'll never see me more
But in vain she'll wait, my coming, by our little cabin door