There is a tale from the Big Bend country
And I heard it once, so long ago
By firelight on the Rio Grande
While the Moon shown bright on Mexico

An aged one, an old compadre
Told this to me, as I to you
The desert Sun had burned his body
But his eyes told me that the tale was true

Years ago, up in the Chisos
Conquistadores they mined for gold
And far below they built a prison
It was a bold presidio

Early each and every morning
The Spaniards led unto the hills
Blindfolded slaves, a captive people
To work the mines and do their will

The years they fade like dying echos
The way is lost, the trail is gone
All that remains is just the legend
The story ends a passing song

But if you stand at San Vincente
And watch the Sun on Easter morn
Where its first light falls on the mountains
The way is shown, the secret torn

But listen well: If on the West wind
The sounds of horses they fill the air
Don't venture on, they guard the treasure
From anyone who enters there

There is a tale from the Big Bend country
And I heard it once, so long ago
By firelight on the Rio Grande
While the Moon shown bright on Mexico