The sun was sinking in the west and fell with a lingering rayThrough the branches of a forest where a wounded ranger layA group had gathered around him, his comrades in a fightA tear rolled down each manly cheek as they bid his last good-byeOne tried and true companion was kneeling by his sideTo stop the life-blood flowing, but alas in vain he triedTo stop the life-blood flowing, he found was all in vainThe tear rolled down each manly cheek like light showers of rainJog closer to me, comrades, and listen to what I sayI'm gonna tell a story while my spirit hastens awayWay back in northwest Texas, that good old Lone Star StateThere's one that's for my coming, with a worried heart will waitIt's a fair young girl, my sister, my only joy, my prideShe was my friend from boyhood, had no one left besideI loved her as a brother and with a father's careI strove from grief and sorrow her gentle heart to spareBut our country was invaded, she called for volunteersShe threw her arms around me, then bursted into tearsSaying, oh, my darling brother, drive the traitors from our shoreMy heart may need your presence, but our country needs you moreIt's true I love my country, for her I gave my allIf it had not been for my sister, boys, I'd be content to fallI'm dying, comrades, dying, she'll never see me moreBut in vain she'll wait, my coming, by our little cabin door