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 hard and I'll 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 was nowhere in sight
He'd sent for Carmela to meet him
On 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 hard and I'll make it by dawn
Cross the Brazos at Waco
I'll walk straight in old San Antone
Then the night came alight with gun fire
He knew that at last he'd been found
As the ranger's band shoot brightly
El 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 hard and I'll make it by dawn
Cross the Brazos at Waco
I'm safe when I reach San Antone
I'm safe when I reach San Antone