ADIEU FALSE HEART

Adieu false heart, since we must part
May the joys of the world go with you
I’ve loved you long with a faithful heart
But never anymore can i believe you

i’ve seen the time i’d have married you
And been your constant lover
But now i’d gladly give you up
For one who’s heart’s more truer

My mind is like a constant sun
From the east to the west it ranges
But yours is like unto the moon
It’s every month it changes

When i lay down to take my rest
No scornful one to wake me
i’ll go straightway unto my grave
Just as fast as time can take me


This bitter-sweet love song was recorded by Fiddlin' Arthur Smith and the Delmore Brothers in 1938 and more recently resurfaced in the reconstructed fourth volume of Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music. Little is known of its origins. It was collected in Campbell County, Virginia by a folklorist in 1931. Other than that there is no earlier trace.