(this is the story of two men
One an exconvict the other a man of honor
The exconvict vowed while in prison to kill the man of honor
I can't be a coward he says to his fair headed beauty)

Do not forsake me oh my darling on this our wedding day
Do not forsake me oh my darling wait wait along
I do not know what fate awaits me i only know i must be brave
And i must face a man who hates me
Or lie a coward a craven coward or lie a coward in my grave

Oh to be torn twixt love and duty spposin' i lose my fair haired beauty
Look at that big hand move along nearing high noon
He made a vow while in state's prison vowed it would be my life or his'n
I'm not afraid of death at all what will i do if you leave me

Do not forsake me oh my darling you made that promise as a bride
Do not forsake me oh my darling
Although you're grievin' don't think of leavin'
Now that i need you by my side