Kind friends you have heard the story
And the song called twenty one years
All of how two lovers parted

Of their sorrow, pain and tears.

I am another who's heartbroken

And i'm in this lonesome jail
I was the honest ranger
Tried for fame but soon i failed.


I was a cowboy singer
And i played the old guitar

But my mind was set on roaming
I started out for lands a-far.


Soon fell with bad companions
And we robbed the western mail
Shot and killed some helpless lady

As i think my face grows pale.

I had a pretty sweet heart

And she though the world of me
But we parted at the station
Down in sunny tennessee.


Last night from her i got a letter
Saying, "i can never be your bride."

As the moon shone though my window
I bowed my head and cried.


Never more we'll stroll together
Down in dear old lover's lane
I must spend my life in prison

I pray on high we'll meet again...