I am the bravest cowboy
that's ever tried the West
I've been all o'er the Rockies
got bullets in my breast

In eighteen hundred and sixty three
I joined the immigrant band
We marched from San Antonio
down by the Rio Grande

I went out on the prairie
I learned to throw the line
I learned to pocket money
but I did not dress so fine

I went out on the prairie
and learned to rob and steal
And when I robbed that cowboy
how happy I did feel

I wore a wide brim high hat
my saddle too was fine
And when I courted a pretty girl
you bet I called her mine

I courted her for beauty
for love it was in vain
They carried me down to Dallas
to wear a ball and chain