Southern Texas (Fretless Minstrel Banjo)

Just started learning the banjo a few weeks ago. After a few years cowboying throughout the west This song is a favorite that resonates on a deep level. Inspired by Nora Brown and Clifton hicks

Lyrics:

Way Down in Southern Texas
Where I rejoined to stay
I left my kind old parents
When their hair was turning Gray

I joined them dying cowboys
I knew I had to ride.
I climbed up in the saddle
And I bid this world goodbye.

I saw them bad men coming
I heard them give their yell
My feelings at that moment
No humans tongue could tell

I saw their shining rifles
Their bullets around me flew
Now all my strength had left me
And all my courage too.

My friend shot down be side me
Tears falling from my face
Oh how I loved you brother
But I can’t take your place

And then I thought of mother
Who said in tears to me
To you they are all strangers
At home you’d better be.

I thought her old and childish
But this she did not know
My mind was set on ranging
So westward I did go.