Here's Boggs's version. The Dying Cowboy title is used in many different songs (Streets of Laredo; Bury Me Not). Same with Dying Soldier (Carter Family).


DYING RANGER
As recorded by Dock Boggs on "Hia Folkways Years, 1963-1968," 1998.

The sun was sinking in the west and fell with a lingering ray
Through the branches of a forest where a wounded ranger lay.
A group had gathered around him, his comrades in the fight.
A tear rolled down each manly cheek as they bid him last goodnight.

One tried and true companion was kneeling by his side
To stop the lifeblood flowing, but alas, in vain he tried.
To stop the lifeblood flowing, he found 'twas all in vain.
The tears rolled down each manly cheek like light showers of rain.

"Draw closer to me, comrades, and listen to what I say:
I'm a-going to tell a story while my spirit hastens away.
Away back in northwest Texas, that good old Lone Star State,
There's one that's for my coming with a worried heart will wait.

"It's a fair young girl, my sister, my only joy, my pride.
She was my friend from boyhood, had no one left beside.
I loved her as a brother, and with a father's care.
I strove from grief and sorrow her gentle heart to spare.

"But our country was invaded; she called for volunteers.
She threw her arms around me, then bursted into tears,
Saying, 'Go, my darling brother; drive those traitors from our shore.
My heart may need your presence, but our country needs you more.'

"'Tis true; I love my country; for her, I gave my all.
If it had not been for my sister, boys, I'd be content to fall.
I'm dying, comrades, dying; she'll never see me more,
But in vain she'll wait my coming by our little cabin door."