From a broadside in the Bodleian collection, Firth b.25(83)
Printed by J. Catnach, Printer, 2 Monmouth-court, 7 Dials [London] "between 1813 and 1838."


THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME*

1. The wars are o'er and gentle peace
Sheds forth unsullied blossoms,
And seamen now return to embrace
The partners of their bosoms.
Adieu, ye sons of France, adieu!
That ten long years confin'd me,
That brought distraction wild to view
For the girl I left behind me.

2. No more shall trembling oceans roar,
Destroying love so friendly,
And exiled me from my native shore,
And the girl I left behind me.
No more in plaintive sighs I mourn,
And no one to befriend me,
Since golden hours have wing'd me home
To the girl I left behind me.

3. With pleasure now the joy I'll prove
Which Providence has design'd me,
And spend my life to live and love
The girl I left behind me.
What tho' I am led the seas to trace,
Yet nature's ties shall bind me
In lov'd reflection to embrace
The girl I left behind me.

4. And when the storms of life are o'er
That nature's law design'd me,
I'll welcome to that blissful shore
The girl I left behind me.
Where golden harps exalt their days,
Eternity shall find me
Absorb'd in wonder, love and praise,
With the girl I left behind me.


[* Some versions of this song, otherwise nearly identical in wording, are called THE LASS I LEFT BEHIND ME.]