Interestingly, I also transcribed my lyrics aurally, about five years ago, and they differ slightly. If I can find the tape, I'll give the source.

I left my love a letter in the hollar of a tree.
I told her she would find me, in the US Cavalry.
Hi-oh, down we go, there's no such word as 'can't'.
We'll ride right down to hell and back for Ulysses Simpson Grant.

I left my love, my love I left a-sleepin' in her bed.
I turned my back on my true love to fight the Johnny Reb.
Hi-oh, down we go, there's no such word as 'can't'.
We'll ride right down to hell and back for Ulysses Simpson Grant.

Hi-oh, down we go, there's no such word as 'can't'.
We'll ride right down to New Orleans..... for Ulysses Simpson Grant!


A web search does turn up the 'movie soundtrack version' at

www.militarymusiconline.com/I_Left_My_Love_lyrics.htm

but nowhere else. Obviously I'll have to verify the accuracy of the lyrics I've posted, but I'm puzzled by one of the main differences - 'we' versus 'they'. Doesn't it seem more logical that the narrator, being one of the soldiers in question, is singing along as 'we' in the chorus?


And finally - does anyone care, because this may not qualify as a 'genuwine folk song' anyhow? :)