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