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THE TEXAS RANGERS Sung by: Mr. and Mrs. Berry Sutterfield Recorded in Big Flat, AR 8/29/58 Click here to listen to the original recording Wherever you may be; A story I will tell you, Which happened unto me. My name, it's nothing extra, So it I will not tell. I am a roving Ranger; I'm sure I wish you well. 'Twas at the age of sixteen I joined this jolly band To march from San Antonio Unto the Rio Grande. Our captain, he informed us-- Perhaps he thought it right-- "Before you reach yon station," Says he, "You'll have to fight." I saw the Indians coming; I heard them give a yell. My feelings at that moment No human's tongue can tell. I heard the bugle sounding; Our captain give command: "To arms, to arms," he shouted, "And by your horses stand." I saw the smoke ascending; It seemed to reach the sky. My feelings at that moment: Now is my time to die. I saw the glittering lances, And the arrows around me hailed. My heart, it sunk within me; My courage almost failed. We fought them full an hour Before the strife was o'er. The like of dead and wounded I never saw before; There's five as noble Rangers As ever saw the West Was buried by their comrades; Sweet be their peaceful rest. I thought of my old mother; In tears to me did say, "To you they all are strangers; With me you'd better stay." I thought she was but childish; The best she did not know. My mind was fixed on ranging, And I was forced to go. Perhaps you have a mother, Likewise a sister, too, And maybe so a sweetheart To weep and mourn for you. This be your situation, Although you like to roam. I advise you by experience: You'd better stay at home. Also found in Randolph, Vol. II, #177; Belden, p. 336. |
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All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas Back to the Song Index Back to the Wolf Collection Homepage ©Copyright 2002 Lyon College |