All you young cowboys come gather around I'll tell you a story of Abilene town Of two young lovers as true lovers know The girl in this story is Abilene Rose Rose Rose Abilene Rose your mem'ry still lives in my heart Rose Abilene Rose we promised we never would part Rose was so pretty in her gingham gown She was the fairest in Abilene town Her eyes were as bright as the stars up above Every one knew when she chose me to love Rose Rose Abilene Rose... We courted each other out under the moon We planned to be married the first day of June Then I started drinking and gambling you see I broke her young heart and then she left me Rose Rose Abilene Rose... I got into trouble and had to leave town Rose got married and then settled down She was as happy as happy could be With her young cowboy and their family Rose Rose Abilene Rose... This is the story I promised to tell All you young cowboys remember it well If you find true love don't tear it apart Marry that true love don't break her young heart Rose Rose Abilene Rose your mem'ry still lives in my heart Rose Abilene Rose forever we must live apart