Streets of Laredo

As I walked out by St. James Hospital
Cold was the morning and wet was the day
Who should I spy but a handsome young sailor
All wrapped up in flannel and colder than clay
His poor old father and his dear old mother
Oft times did warn of the gay city life
But along with those flash girls his money he squandered
And along with those flash girls he took his delight
Then beat the drum over him, play the fife merrily
Sound the dead march as you carry him on
Take him to the churchyard and throw the earth over him
For he’s a young sailor cut down in his prime
The Streets of Laredo
As I walked out in the Streets of Laredo
As I walked out in Laredo one day
I spied a young cowboy all dressed in white linen
All dressed in white linen and cold as the clay
I see by your outfit that you are a cowboy
These words he did say as I boldly passed by
Come sit down beside me and hear my sad story
For I’m shot in the breast and I know I must die
Chorus:
So 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’er me
For I’m a young cowboy and I know I’ve done wrong
It was once in the saddle I used to go dashing
Once in the saddle I galloped away
It was first to the alehouse and then to the card house
I’m shot in the breast and am dying today.