All my life I've wondered if what I done was wrong
All I ever cared to do was ride my pony on
I never had no heartache was always happy and gay
Until I met a Texas girl who stole my heart away

Where the sleepy Rio Grande goes slowly to the sea
It was there she promised to be mine throughout eternity
But the angels they grew jealous of her beauty and her smile
And came along one stormy night and stole away my bride
The birds have hushed their singing sadness is over the land
The birds miss my darling by the sleepy Rio Grande

Her lips were like the Russian wine her hair it hung in curls
Her cheeks were like the dawn of day that breaks upon the world
She's gone and left me lonely I miss the touch of her hand
Tonight while I am walking by the sleepy Rio Grande