The Girl I Left Behind

The Girl I Left Behind

Folk songs

This is a hand-transcribed version of the song, "The Girl I Left Behind." A note on the reverse credits this version to Mrs. Walter Phillips, 1967.

Bobby McMillon

Bobby McMillon Collection, Southern Appalachian Archives, Mars Hill University

Southern Appalachian Archives, Liston B. Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies, Mars Hill University

1967

Mrs. Walter Phillips

This item may be viewed, downloaded, and printed for personal and educational use, but any commercial use is prohibited without permission from the Southern Appalachian Archives, Mars Hill University. Questions may be directed to the Archivist at (828) 689-1262 or archives@mhu.edu.

English

The Girl I Left Behind

My parents all treated me kindly
For they had no child but me
My mind began to ramble
On this we couldn't agree
My mind began to ramble
And oh what grieves me so
Is to leave my aged parents
Their face to see no more.

There was a rich old gentleman
He lived in a town close by
He had one only daughter
On whom I cast my eye.

I told her my intention
was far across the main
I asked her if she'd prove true to me
till I returned again
She said she'd prove true to me
if death didn't prove unkind
So we kissed shook hands and parted
and I left my girl behind.

I went over on Broadway
I met the driver there
He handed me a letter

He handed me a letter
Which gave me to good understand
That the girl I left behind me
Had married another man.

[verso]:
Mrs. Walter Phillips
1967

As I stood there a grieving
He said poor boy don't cry
As I stood there a grieving
He said poor boy don't cry
Oh money I have plenty
and it's for you and I.

My horses I'll turn over
My company I'll resign
We'll ramble the world over
For the girl you left behind.

Handwritten text on pages 75 and 76 of a blue double-entry ledger.