Bonnie Blue Eyes also known as Goodbye, Little Bonnie, Blue Eyes [Me II-D 5a] was first reported "written" in 1907 by Louise Rand Bascom in the 1909 JOAFL. She also states that it was "ten years older at least."

The song structure and melody are similar to a song I play: There's More Pretty Girls Than One.

The song was first recorded in 1927 by Dock Walsh of the Carolina Tar Heels. Clearly this is an older ballad and the Carter's 1936 recording followed ten earlier recordings.

BONNIE BLUE EYES Carter Family

Goodbye my little bonnie blue eyes
Goodbye my little bonnie blue eyes
You've told me more lies than the stars in the skies
Goodbye my little bonnie blue eyes

I saw my little bonnie last night
She looked so dear to me
She's the only girl I ever loved
She's now gone back on me

Oh stand at the gate and weep
Oh stand at the gate and weep
Oh stand at the gate and weep and morn
Oh bonnie wont you love me once more

Come and lay your hand in mine
Come and lay your hand in mine
Come and lay your arms around my neck
And say that you will be mine

Oh you know what you promised me
Oh you know what you promised me
You promised that you'd marry me
Oh you know what you promised me

I've stayed in the country too long
I've stayed in the country too long
The only wrong that I have done
I've stayed in the country too long

Come and go with me to the train
Come and go with me to the train
Come and go with me and see me get on
Goodbye my little Bonnie I'm gone