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