265
A Jolly Group of Cowboys
Substantially the same text (but with 'Slaughter' instead of
'Franklin' in the second line) is given by J. Frank Dobie from
Texas (PFLST vi 165-6), and reprinted in CS 124-5 with the
editorial notation that "Mrs. Bob Criswell of the Swenson Ranch,
Throckmorton, Texas, sang me a slightly dififerent version." Dobie's
text — which he says he "amalgamated" from two versions known
to him — is entitled 'Home, Sweet Home.' In content, however, it
is quite distinct from another cowboy song with a like title, 'The
Message from Home, Sweet Home,' which is also found in the
North Carolina collection.
'A Jolly Group of Cowboys.' Contributed by W. Amos Abrams, Boone,
Watauga county.
620 NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORE
1 A jolly group of cowboys
On a Franklin ranch one night,
Their heads upon their saddles
And their camp fires burning bright.
2 Some were telling stories
And some were singing songs,
Some were smoking cigarettes
While the hours rolled along.
3 At once they began their talking
Of distant friends so dear.
A boy raised his head from the saddle
And brushed away a tear.
4 They asked him why he left his home
That it seemed so dear to him ;
That he raised his head from his saddle
And with tears his eyes grew dim.
5 And he raised his head from his saddle
And gazed the rough boys o'er.
Says, 'Boys, I'll tell you the reason
1 stay at home no more.
6 T fell in love with a neighbor girl ;
Her cheeks were fair and white.
Another fellow loved this girl,
And it ended in a fight.
7 'This fellow's name was Tommie Smith
And we had been great chums.
We shared each other's troubles, boys.
And we shared each other's fun.
8 'It almost makes me shudder
To think of that sad night ;
When Tommie and I were quarreling
I stabbed him with my knife.
9 *I fell upon my knees beside him
And tried to stop the blood
That flowed down so gently
In a glowing crimson flood.
10 'I can almost hear Tommie's voice
As the boys all gathered round ;
Says, "Bob, old boy, you'll remember this
When I am under ground!"
NATIVE AMERICAN
*So, boys, you know the reason
Why I'm compelled to roam,
And why I am so far away
From dear old home, sweet home.