Bury Me Not On the Lone Prairie

Johnny Cash

About Bury Me Not On the Lone Prairie

"Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie" is a cowboy folk song. Also known as "The Cowboy's Lament", "The Dying Cowboy", "Bury Me Out on the Lone Prairie", and "Oh, Bury Me Not", the song is described as the most famous cowboy ballad. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. Based on a sailor's song, the song has been recorded by many artists, including Moe Bandy, Johnny Cash, Cisco Houston, Burl Ives, Bruce Molsky, The Residents, Tex Ritter, Roy Rogers, Colter Wall and William Elliott Whitmore.  


Year:
2012
3:39
249 
#1

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As I walked out on the streets of Laredo.
As I walked out on Laredo one day,
I spied a poor cowboy wrapped in white linen,
Wrapped in white linen as cold as the clay.

"I can see by your outfit that you are a cowboy."
These words he did say as I boldly walked by.
"Come an' sit down beside me an' hear my sad story.
"I'm shot in the breast an' I know I must die."

"It was once in the saddle, I used to go dashing.
"Once in the saddle, I used to go gay.
"First to the card-house and then down to Rose's.
"But I'm shot in the breast and I'm dying today."

"Get six jolly cowboys to carry my coffin.
"Six dance-hall maidens to bear up my pall.
"Throw bunches of roses all over my coffin.
"Roses to deaden the clods as they fall."

"Then beat the drum slowly, play the Fife lowly.
"Play the dead march as you carry me along.
"Take me to the green valley, lay the sod o'er me,
"I'm a young cowboy and I know I've done wrong." 

"Then go write a letter to my gray-haired mother,
"An' tell her the cowboy that she loved has gone.
"But please not one word of the man who had killed me.
"Don't mention his name and his name will pass on."

When thus he had spoken, the hot sun was setting.
The streets of Laredo grew cold as the clay.
We took the young cowboy down to the green valley,
And there stands his marker, we made, to this day.

We beat the drum slowly and played the Fife lowly,
Played the dead march as we carried him along.
Down in the green valley, laid the sod o'er him.
He was a young cowboy and he said he'd done wrong.

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Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003), was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Although he is primarily remembered as a country music icon, his songs and sound spanned many other genres including rockabilly and rock and roll—especially early in his career—as well as blues, folk, and gospel. This crossover appeal led to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Gospel Music Hall of Fame. more »

19 fans

Written by: DUANE EDDY

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Background
"Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie" is a cowboy folk song. It is also described often as a "ballad of the American West".
Origin
Originally, the song came out as a poem called "Ocean Burial". It was written by Edward H. Chapin in 1839.
Johnny Cash's Connection
Johnny Cash, the iconic American singer-songwriter, covered the song and hence it's often associated with him. His version was released in 1965.
Album Appearance
The song features in Cash's album "Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West", which is a concept album focusing on American Western songs.
Film Presence
"Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie" was also featured in the 2010 film "True Grit", a remake of the classic western of the same name.
Versatility
This song’s lyrics have been adapted several times, with different versions appearing throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, showcasing its longevity and versatility.
Popularity
Johnny Cash's rendition is one of the most popular versions of the song, highlighting his ability to breathe new life into traditional American folk songs.
Inspirational
The song is considered important in the genre of country music and has inspired many western style songs and artists.
Song Theme
The song tells the tale of a dying cowboy who requests not to be buried on the prairie, away from civilization, making it a poignant song of loneliness and mortality.
Impact
Johnny Cash's version of the song has cemented its place as a key piece in the canon of American folk music. His unique voice and interpretative skills have brought the song to life for generations of listeners.

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