We were lyin' on the prairie, on slaughter's ranch one night
With our heads upon our saddles and a campfire burnin' bright
Soon we fell to talkin' of distant friends so dear
Oh, when a boy raised up in his saddle and he wiped away our tear

Oh, I fell in love with a neighbor girl, her cheeks were soft and white
Another feller loved her too and it ended in a fight
Oh, it makes me shake and shudder to think of that awful night
When Tom and I began to fight and I stabbed him with my knife

I fell down on my knees and tried to stop the blood
That came out from his side all spurtin'
Like some bright red crimson flood

And now when I am sleepin' I hear him softly say
Oh Bob, I know you're sorry but I've gone to a better place
Yes I guess, I believe it but I just can't let it go
His dyin' eyes are with me, oh from the plains to Mexico