Early one morning at the St. James HospitalEarly one morning morn in the month of mayWhen i looked through the window and a spyed a dear cowboyA dear cowboy as cold as the claySet ye down by me and hear my sad storySet ye down by me and sing me a songFor my poor head is aching and my sad heart is breakingI'm a poor cowboy that knowed he done wrongSend for that doctor to come heal up my bodyAnd send the preacher to come and pray for my soulFor my poor head is aching and my sad heart is breakingI'm a poor cowboy and hell is my doomGet sixteen perdy maidens to come and carry my coffinSixteen perdy maidens to come and sing me a songAnd tell em to bring some o'them sweet smelling rosesSo they can't smell me as they tote me alongBeat the drums slowly and play the fife lowlyPlay the death march as ye carry me alongThrow bunches of lillies all over my coffinThare goes a poor cowboy that knowd he done wrong
