Traditional
The Girl I Left Behind
I'm lonesome since I crossed the hill
And o'er the moor and valley
Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill
Since parting with my Betsey

I seek no more the fine and gay
For each does but remind me
How swift the hours did pass away
With the girl I left behind me

O ne'er shall I forget the night
The stars were bright above me
And gently lent their silv'ry light
When first she vowed to love me

But now I'm bound to Brighton camp
Kind heaven then pray guide me
And send me safely back again
To the girl I left behind me

Her golden hair in ringlets fair
Her eyes like diamonds shining
Her slender waist, her heavenly face
That leaves my heart still pining

Ye gods above oh hear my prayer
To my beauteous fair to find me
And send me safely back again
To the girl I left behind me

The bee shall honey taste no more
The dove become a ranger
The falling waters cease to roar
Ere I shall seek to change her
The vows we made to heav'n above
Shall ever cheer and bind me
In constancy to her I love
The girl I left behind me