Girl I left behind me

              Collected by: James Ward Lee
and Ralph E. Roberts for
Mary Celestia Parler
Transcribed by James Ward Lee
and Ralph E . Roberts
The Girl I Left Behind Me
I was raised up in London and educated well,
Raised up by tender parents a nd raised most tenderly,
Till I become a rover that woo my heart for sore,
I left my friends and connections that I shall see no more.
There was a wealthy gentleman who just lived in that part,
He had an only daughter and I had gained her heart,
She was noble minded both beautiful nd fair,
Columbus' fairest daughter she truly could compare.
I told her my intention it was for to cross the plains,
I asked if she'd prove faithful 'til I returned again,
Big drops of tears stood in her eyes her bosom heaved a sigh,
Says she, "Fear not my love for thee my love will never die."
Then says the maid, "I had a dream that I could ne'er believe,
That absence breaks the links of love and leaves the maid to grieve.
oh then I kissed her on the cheek nd told her never fear,
And swore by the heavens that rules above that I would prove sincere
According to our agreement I got on board a ship,
I landed safe in New Orleans I had a pleasant trip,
I found that gold was plenty there and girls they too were kind,
My heart began to cool a bit for the girl I left behind.
I next set out to St. Louis at hospital city I Land,
There Miss Jenny Ferguson first took me by the hand,
Says she, "I've gold a plenty and love for you I'll find."
The thoughts of gold destroyed the love for the girl I left behind.
One evening as We were a talking says she, "My love, don't cry,
For I have gold a plenty to keep both you and I,
If you'll consent to marry me and say no more you'll roam,
Your labors will be over and your pockets filled with gold."
To this I quickly consented I own it for my shame,
How can mankind be happy when he knows himself the blame.
My father's in his sinding sheet my mother too appears,
The girl I love stands by my side and drives away the tears,
They've all died broken hearted I know its' too late I find,
Since God now sees my cruelty for the girl I left behind.
Sung by: Lizzie Maguire
Fayetteville, Arkansas.
August 8, 1958
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