On the Chisholm Trail it was midnight Carmela was strong on his mind
Because of the life he had chosen Carmela had left then behind
Too long he'd been a bandito Carmela had left him alone
But today someone brought a message she'd be seen in old San Antone
Cross the Brazos at Waco ride on and I make it by dawn
Cross the Brazos at Waco I'm safe when I reach San Antone

He glanced back over his shoulder the posee were nowhere in sight
He'd sent for Carmela to meet him at the banks of the Brazos tonight
She was waiting and he kept the promise he'd made such a long time ago
As he dropped the guns that she hated in the mighty Brazos willow
Cross the Brazos at Waco ride on and I make it by dawn
Cross the Brazos at Waco I'll walk straight in old San Antone
[ guitar ]
Then the night came alight with gun fire he knew that at last he'd been found
As the ranger's band shoot brightly and bandito laid on the ground
Carmela knew he was dying that all of her dreams were in vain
As she kissed his lips for the last time she heard him whisper again
Cross the Brazos at Waco ride on and I make it by dawn
Cross the Brazos at Waco I'm safe when I reach San Antone
[ guitar ]
I'm safe when I reach San Antone