As I passed by Tom Sherman's barroom
Tom Sherman's barroom so early one morn
I spied a young boy all dressed in his buckskins
Dressed like a picture, all fit for his grave

[Chorus]
So beat the drum lowly and play the fife slowly
Beat up the death march that carries me along
Take me to the prairie and fire a volley o'er me
For I'm a young cowboy dying alone

"Once in my saddle I used to go dashing
Once in my saddle I used to ride high
But these things are behind me
Left there behind me
My brother, he fell in my arms!" the boy cried

Someone please write to my grey-headed mother
Her heart to the flag, her hand placed in fear
Then to the other far dearer than mother
Who will bitterly weep when she finds I am here

Quick cast me a net, my hours are leaving
I've felt the cold lead in my side where I lay
Oh mother, my brothers are falling around me
They say I'm a cowboy, and dying today

Oh bury beside me my gold-colored medal
My ring in my hand and gun at my side
Over my coffin lay a bottle of brandy
That the cowboys may drink as they carry me down

[Chorus]
So beat the drum lowly and play the fife slowly
Beat up the death march that carries me along
Take me to the prairie and fire a volley o'er me
For I'm a young cowboy dying alone