as sung by Roseanne Gillespie McGonigle (deceased Nov 2020) of Inishowen peninsula, Co Donegal, Ireland Once I loved with fond affection One whose thoughts were dear to me But then there came that solemn parting Never more will he speak to me. For now he’s gone and love another One who has bright gold in store While a young maid lie a weeping Left alone because I’m poor. So go and leave me if you wish to Don’t ever let me cross your mind If you think I've proved unworthy Go and leave me I don’t mind. Many’s the mile with you I’ll tarry Many’s the hour with you I’d spend I thought that you would be mine forever But love I found has a cruel end. Many's the night while you lay sleeping Dreaming of some sweet repose While I a young maid lie a weeping Listening to the wind that blows. So go and leave me if you wish to Don’t ever let me cross your mind If you think I've proved unworthy Go and leave me I don’t mind. Fare thee well friends and kind relations Fare well to you my false young man 'Twas you that has caused me pain and sorrow Never more will I return. Here's the ring that once you gave me When our love was all truly entwined Give it to that dark-eyed maiden She'll never know it once was mine. So go and leave me if you wish to Don’t ever let me cross your mind If you think I've proved unworthy Go and leave me I don’t mind. https://www.itma.ie/inishowen/song/once_i_loved_roseanne_mcgonigle https://www.itma.ie/inishowen/singer/roseanne-mcgonigle
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