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THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND (THE FALSE-HEARTED LOVER) Sung by: Mr. and Mrs. Berry Sutterfield Recorded in Big Flat, AR 8/20/59 Click here to listen to the original recording They had no child but me. My mind was fixed on rambling; With them I could not agree, 'Til I became a rover bold, Which grieved their hearts full sore. There was a wealthy old farmer Who resided in that part, That had an only daughter dear, And I had won her heart. She was noble-minded, So beautiful and fair-- With Columbus' fairest daughter, She surely I could compare. I told him my intentions Was soon to cross the main; I asked her if she'd prove true to me 'Til I returned again. She threw her arms around me; Her bosom heaved a sigh. "Fear not from me, brave youth," said she, "My love can never die." I fetched a kiss upon her lips And told her never fear. I vowed by him who rules the skies That I would be sincere. According to agreement, I went on board my ship, And to the town of . . . I made a pleasant trip. I found that gold was plentiful, The maids were somewhat kind, Which makes my love grow cool a bit For the girl I left behind. To Denver town I next sailed down, To that hostile land Where handsome Ginny Ferguson First took me by the hand. Says she, "I've gold, and plenty, And in love with you I find, And now if you will marry me, And say no more you'll roam, The gold that I possess is yours, And I will constant prove. "But parents dear and other friends Whom you have left behind, Don't ever, if you marry me, Bear them again in mind." To this I soon consented, And I'll own it to my shame, For what man can be happy When he knows he is to blame? It's true I've gold in plenty, And my wife is ever kind, But my pillow is ofttimes . . . For the girl I left behind. My father's in his winding sheet, My mother, too, I fear. The girl I loved stands by their side To wipe away their tears. They all died broken hearted; It's now too late I find That God has seen my cruelty To the girl I left behind. Also found in Randolph, Vol. I, #64, "The Girl I Left Behind"; Brown, Vol. II, #145, "The Girl I Left Behind Me"; Belden, p. 198, "The False-Hearted Lover." |
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All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas Back to the Song Index Back to the Wolf Collection Homepage ©Copyright 2002 Lyon College |