Interesting discussion on this song. I never gave it a thought until I saw a guy in Shreveport last week swear that he had an older version then the cowboy song. The guy was a black cowboy singer named Eric something. He plays around these parts some.

His lyrics sound more modern to me and they surely relate to East Texas and North Louisiana (where there really is a Red River Valley). But I liked his lyrics so I wrote them down.

Has anyone else heard these lyrics?

^^
From this valley they say you are going
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For they say you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened our path for a while

Come and sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
But remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy who loved you so true

From the East Texas plains and the valley
Has the time come for you to depart
You return to your home on the Liffey
Taking with you this poor cowboy's heart

Come and sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
But remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy who loved you so true

Now through Marshal and all Grayson County
As the wind in the pines speaks your name
I remember my lost love in Dublin
And a song from this heart set aflame

Come and sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
But remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy who loved you so true