On the Chisholm Trail it was midnight Carmela was strong on his mind
Because of the life he had chosen Carmela had left him behind
Too long he'd been el bandito Carmela had left him alone
But today someone brought a message she'd been 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 posse 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 muddy Brazos below

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

[ guitar ]
Then the night came alight with gun fire he knew that at last he'd been found
As the ranger's band shoot rightly 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

[ guitar ]
I'm safe when I reach San Antone