Oh! say, was you ever in Rio Grande?
Oh, you Rio!
Oh! say, was you ever on that strand?
Oh, you Rio!
Our ship is a-going out over the bar
For we’re bound for the Rio Grande
Then away, you Rio
‘Way you, Rio
We’ll point her nose for the Southern star
For we’re bound for the Rio Grande
Then blow ye winds, westerly, westerly blow
Oh, you Rio!
We’re bound to the south’ard, so steady she goes
Oh, you Rio!
Sing goodbye to Nellie, sing goodbye to Sue
We’re bound for the Rio Grande
Then away, you Rio
‘Way you, Rio
And you who are listening, goodbye to you
We’re bound for the Rio Grande
Rio Grande was written by Celius Dougherty.