Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it

Subject: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 07:34 AM

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Lizabeth
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 09:13 AM

Got this track on 'a woman's voice' cd sung by Norma Waterson & Eliza Carthy traditional arrangement N. Waterson, E. Carthy alternatively found on 'Bright Shiny Morning' by Norma waterson - all info i've got!!

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 09:37 AM

It is a song found in Newfoundland ( See the Kenneth Peacock collection ) and also earlier variants in the Greig-Duncan collection of Scots folk songs.
If you want me to give you the texts I can type them out for you.Just PM me.
Derivatives are also found in the USA in such songs as 'Pal of Mine'
Mary Humphreys

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Amos
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 10:33 AM

The same sentiment is renowned as the first line of the chorus to "Columbus Stockade", a twangy bluegrass number: "You can go ahead and leave me if you want to; never let me cross your mind...."


A

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Maryrrf
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 10:48 AM

Also related to a fairly widespread Appalachian song called "Dear Companion". At workt now so I can't track down much more info.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 10:57 AM

Jon Boden sings a version of this learned from the singing of Pete Webb which he describes as a conflagration of Irish balladry and Victorian music hall. Words on the Spiers & Boden website.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Brían
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 02:07 PM

Go and Leave Me If You Wish To

Brían

---

Dear Companion (The Broken Heart; Go and Leave Me If You Wish To, Fond Affection)

DESCRIPTION: "I once did have a dear companion (or: "love with fond affection"); Indeed I thought his love my own Until a dark eyed girl betrayed me And now he cares no more for me." The girl, looking at her baby, recalls her unfaithful love and regrets her shame
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1909 (Belden)
KEYWORDS: love infidelity pregnancy lyric floatingverses
FOUND IN: US(Ap,SE,So) Britain(Scotland)
REFERENCES (12 citations):
Belden, pp. 209-210, "Fond Affection" (1 text)
Randolph 755, "The Broken Heart" (7 texts plus 1 excerpt and mention of 1 more, 2 tunes, though some, especially the fragments, may not go here; the "A" text contains material from "I Loved You Better Than You Knew" and several others, notably "H," are or are mixed with "The Broken Engagement (II -- We Have Met and We Have Parted)"' "F" is "Thou Hast Learned to Love Another")
Randolph/Cohen, pp. 493-495, "The Broken Heart" (1 text, 1 tune -- Randolph's 755A)
Sharp/Karpeles-80E 43, "The Dear Companion" (1 text, 1 tune)
Ord, pp. 181-182, "Go And Leave Me If You Wish To" (1 text)
BrownII 153, "Fond Affection" (13 text, including several much longer than the usual versions; the "M" text in particular seems conflate; the first four verses may be a separate song beginning "Darling, do you know who loves you?")
Chase, p. 166, "(Dear Companion") (1 text, tune referenced)
Spaeth-WeepMore, pp. 32-33, "Now Go and Leave Me If You Wish" (1 text)
MacSeegTrav 59, "Blue-Eyed Lover" (1 text, 1 tune, an incredibly composite version I file here for lack of any better idea; it has lyrics from many songs of this type and even "The Widow in the Cottage by the Sea")
Sandburg, p. 323, "Fond Affection" (1 short text, with this title and some lyrics which belong here but with other elements reminiscent of "Carrickfergus")
Silber-FSWB, p. 164, "Dear Companion" (1 text)
DT, DEARCOMP* GOLEAVME ONCEILUV
Roud #411
RECORDINGS:
Dock Boggs, "I Hope I Live a Few More Days" (on Boggs3, BoggsCD1 -- an incredibly complex composite of lost love/abandonment songs, jumbled together and confused, but seemingly with more lines from this song than any other)
Carter Family, "Fond Affection" (Montgomery Ward M-4744, 1935; Zonophone [Australia] 4364, n.d.)
Crowder Brothers, "Leave Me Darling, I Don't Mind" (Melotone 7-04-70, 1937)
Clarence Green, "Fond Affection" (Columbia 15311-D, 1928)
Sid Harkreader, "Many Days With You I Wandered" (Vocalion 15100, 1925)
Kelly Harrell, "Bye and Bye You Will Forget Me" (Victor 20535, 1926; on KHarrell02 -- clearly this song, though it borrows lyrics from "Bye and Bye You Will Forget Me")
Mainer's Mountaineers "Let Her Go God Bless Her" (Bluebird [Canada] B-6104, 1935)
David Miller, "Many Times With You I've Wandered" (Champion 15429, 1928)
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "Wayfaring Stranger" (approximate tune) and references there
cf. "The Bonny Boy (I)" (lyrics)
cf. "Columbus Stockade Blues" (lyrics)
cf. "Sweet Heaven (II)" (lyrics)
ALTERNATE TITLES:
Once I Loved with Fond Affection
If It's In Your Heart
I Once Did Love Your Fond Affection
Fond of Affection
Raven Dark Hair
Fond Devotion
Future Days
Separation
Notes: This piece would appear to break up into two subfamilies, "Dear Companion" ("I once did have a dear companion") and "A Fond Affection." I tried to separate the two -- but when I saw the incredible mixture in Randolph, I gave up. - RBW
It's also getting harder to distinguish "Columbus Stockade Blues" from this song. We use the "Columbus Stockade" line as a marker, but several versions of "Dear Companion" overlap heavily with that song in lyrics. - PJS
File: R755

---

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The Ballad Index Copyright 2004 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 03:02 PM

The entry at the Traditional Ballad Index is a little misleading, in that it only cites the Roud number for Dear Companion (411). There are far more extensive entries under Roud 459 (Go and Leave Me and other titles). The song seems to have been known throughout Britain and Ireland at the end of the 19th century, and of course was widespread in the USA and Canada. There is an undated broadside example from the Firth Collection at the Bodleian Library website, but no image is available at present.

It must have been widely published, and with music, too, at some point, as other songs were set to its tune; but I don't know where you might easily find an example of the song as written, nor whether it is more likely to have originated in America or Britain. There appear to have been two songs; the original and a sequel ("answer to"): the Roud Broadside Index refers to Harding's Dublin Songster part 5 (c.1900) which includes Go and Leave Me if You Wish It ("It is years since first he met me...") and Go and Leave Me if You Wish It (Answer to) ("Years have passed since last we parted...").

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 04:20 PM

Two versions in the DT come up with "Dear Companion," and probably more in the Postings.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: MartinRyan
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 06:57 PM

Malcolm

I've seen that Hardings songster pair in the Irish Traditional Music Archive. I'm in Dublin at the moment and will pick up copies if I have a chance.

Regards

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 07:11 PM

That would be very interesting. Many thanks.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 09:07 PM

No images of the song in the Bodleian Firth b.27(315).
There are many versions of "Fond Affection," "Go and Leave Me," etc. Here are the Spiers-Boden lyrics from their website. It puts more weight on wealth than most versions. Go and Leave Me

Lyr. Add: GO AND LEAVE ME

Once I loved with fond affection
All her thoughts they were of me
Until a dark boy did persuade her
Now she thinks no more of me.

For now she's happy with another
One that has great gold in store
Well I, poor boy, left broken hearted
I'm left alone becuse I'm poor.

Chorus:
So go and leave me, if you wish, love
Never let me cross your mind
If you think I'm so unworthy
Go and leave me, I don't mind.

Many's the day with you I've rambled
Many was the night with you I've spent.
I've always thought you were mine forever
Now I know you were only lent.

Many's the night when you lie sleeping
Dreaming in your sweet repose
Well I, poor boy, lie broken hearted
Listening to the wind that blows.

Chorus

So here's a ring that first you gave me
When our hearts they were entrined
Give it to that dark haired laddie
He'll never know that it once was mine.

Chorus x2

The next one is possibly one of the antecedents. The theme is common; it is hard to separate the songs.

Lyr. Add: AND SINCE YOU LEAVE ME
Mrs. Alsop, arr. M. Clifton, 1824

And since you leave me, And thus deceive me
No scene can give me relief from pain
My only lover has proved a rover
All joy is over, My tears are vain.

Chorus:
Then go forever, Yet though we sever
Alas, I never can wish you ill
While life is dearest, And joy is nearest,
Then Felix dearest, I love thee still.

Caressed, caressing,
My joy, my blessing,
Thy love possessing,
I thought thee true;
The vision lasted,
But scarcely lasted,
When all was blasted,
False youth by you.

When joy abounded,
My harp I sounded,
Each note resounded,
My heart to show;
But now the measure,
That spoke of pleasure,
Has only leisure,
For notes of woe.

Then go forever,
Yet though we sever,
Alas I never
Can wish you ill.
While life is dearest,
And joy is nearest,
Then Felix dearest,
I love thee still.

Oh, Felix, you cat! "An Irish Melody." Printed by G. Willig, Baltimore, MD, 1824. From Levy Sheet Music Collection. And Since You Leave Me

Somewhat more recent-

Lyr. Add: FOND AFFECTION
The Carter Family

Once I loved your fond affection,
All my hopes on you was spent.
Till a dark eyed girl persuaded
And you cared no more for me.

Chorus
Go on and leave me if you wish to,
Never let me cross your mind.
In your heart you love another,
Never on earth will call you mine.

Yodel-ay-ee-oh, lay-ee-ay, oh-lay-ee.

When I'm dead and in my coffin,
And my pale face toward the sun;
Will you come and sit beside me,
And think of what you have done.

Chorus plus yodel.

When I'm dead and in my coffin
And the shroud around me bound;
Will you come and scatter roses
Upon your lover's mound.

Chorus and yodel.

Other versions in Max Hunter (posted somewhere), Brown, etc.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 09:19 PM

Try again at Levy- Go and leave

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 09:53 PM

My initial impression is that And Since You Leave Me is entirely unrelated. I do hope that Martin is able to get us the Dublin Songster texts; there does seem to be a shortage of printed examples, which is quite surprising, really, given that the song has turned up fairly often in oral currency. The Dublin texts are late, but with luck are copied from earlier publications.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 07:36 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: MartinRyan
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 03:41 PM

I copied both songs today and will deal with them over teh next few days.

Regards

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 05:13 PM

In the face of all this in depth stuff, I don't know if its worth mentioning that Ralph McTell has done a shit hot version of the Columbus Stockade variant on his double live album - however there it is - mentioned!

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: MartinRyan
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 05:29 PM

Go and leave me if you wish it
Harding's Dublin Songster (1880-1900?)

It is years since first he met me
I was then so pure and free
He won my heart and then he left me
I wander now in misery
'Tis him who caused me for to wander
And I'm deceived for evermore
It's him who caused my heart to ponder
I'm left alone because I'm poor

Chorus
Go and leave me if you wish it
If you think I've proved unkind
Go and leave me if you wish it
Never let me cross your mind

Many a night with him I rambled
Many a night with him I strayed
But when alas I became a lover
False vows of love to me he made
With him I left my humble dwelling
I little thought he'd prove untrue
There's many a fair maid loves sincerely
But those you love seldom loves you

Although he left me for another
Because she has more gold than me
With his lady love he may be happy
I'll think of him where' ere he be
Whene'er I see another smiling
I'll think of his false handsome face
No doubt my parents hearts are broken
On them I have brought sad disgrace

Farewell alas to my aged parents
Return to them I never can
Adieu alas to my relations
And also to that false young man
He was the cause of my misfortune
When I was scarcely in my prime
Since poor me he has deceived
Go and leave me , I don't mind

Chorus

Answer to follow!

Regards

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 05:50 AM

does this song not also appear on 'Unto Brigg Fair' ?
Lincolnshire songs, or am I mistaken (not at home at the mo')
Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: MartinRyan
Date: 30 Jun 04 - 04:34 AM

Answer to Go and Leave me if you wish it
Harding's Dublin Songster
---------------------------------------------
Years have passed since last we parted
I was then so gay and free
I now return love broken-hearted
And hope we yet might happy be
I was not happy with another
For I loved you more and more
It was her gold and silver bought me
But I love you tho' you're poor

Chorus
I will not go unless you wish it
I love but you although you're poor
Look up, darling, do you wish it
Say that we shall part no more

I of recall our evening rambles
Down that dear old shady lane
Through the bush and through the brambles
Ere your heart had known a pain
When your eyes were bright and sparkling
Speaking more than words could say
Oh what anguish I have known, love
Since from you I've gone astray

Chorus

Oh say my darling you will marry
One who caused you so much pain
Then we will seek your parents cottage
'Twill rejoice their hearts again
The future still looks bright before us
The past we never may recall
Sunny days may yet shine o'er us
Beaming brighter for our fall

Chorus

And so through life we'll go together
Look up darling, smile once more
Dry your tears and stay your grieving
For your troubles now are o'er
You yet shall see your aged parents
Sitting at their cottage door
And shall comfort them in sorrow
You will be no longer poor.

Published , like "Go and leave me", in Harding's Dublin Songster (New Series), probably late 19 C.


Regards

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jul 04 - 08:28 AM

Thanks for your trouble,Martin.'Go and leave me'seems,then,to be no older than 1880ish,a Victorian-sentimental piece (and none the worse for that) and most affective when sung without parody.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 02 Jul 04 - 09:19 PM

Our family version begins like this:

I once did have a dear companion
Indeed I thought his love my own,
Until some blackeyed girl betrayed me-
And now he cares no more for me.

CHO: Just go and leave me if you wish to,
      Far from this lone-lye world I'd flee;
      For in your heart you love another
      And in my grave I'd ruther be.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Maryrrf
Date: 02 Jul 04 - 09:46 PM

Boys of the Lough did a lovely version of Go and Leave Me, as well.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 02 Jul 04 - 10:02 PM

Yes; it was from Cathal's singing that I first learned it. It's particularly interesting that the song seems to have undergone so much variation in a relatively short space of time. Many thanks to Martin for posting those turn-of-the-century texts. There must be earlier examples out there somewhere (and, you'd think, some with music; it clearly began as a parlour ballad) but I don't know of any yet. With luck, further information will turn up.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jul 04 - 06:20 AM

In Kilgarriff:

Tommy Armstrong 1848-1920
Trimdown (sic)Grange Explosion (air, Go and Leave Me If You Wish It)1882

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Jul 04 - 01:39 PM

Guest seems to be referring to this; Trimdon Grange by Tommy Armstrong, about the explosion in 1882: Lyrics Trimdon Grange

Folkinfo.org also has this song using the tune of "Go and leave..."

Peggy Seegar said it was Scottish, with reference to the American name "Fond Affection."

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Jul 04 - 02:22 PM

Notes with CD of songs sung by Daisy Chapman of Aberdeen, Scotland, Mitre Records:
"One must presume that this is an American Song, since 51 of Roud's 76 instances are from there. Henry Burstow, Charlie Wills and Percy Webb knew it in England, as does maggie McGee from Inis Eoghain, and a good many other Irish singers too, who are not mentioned in the Index. In Scotland, only Dodie Chalmers and Dave Stewart (both of Aberdeen) have been recorded singing it. Mike Yates has unissued recordings of it from both Fred Jordan and Walter Pardon."
Frequency may not indicate provenance, but just reflect the ease with which people could get the sheet music, local popularity and other factors, since a good song is no farther away from America (or Britain, Australia) than the time it takes for a ship to carry it over.
Daisy Chapman's version from Scotland is short, and "Farewell friends and kind relations," I seem to remember, occurs in another song.

Lyr. Add: Go and Leave Me
Daisy Chapman

Go and leave me if you wish it,
Never let me cross your mind;
If you think me so untrustworthy,
Go and leave me, never mind.

Once I was loved with a fond affection,
All his thoughts they were of me;
Until a dark girl did persuade him,
And so he thought no more of me.

Many's the night with him I've rambled,
Many's the hour with him I've spent;
I thought his heart was mine forever,
But love, I found, it was only lent.

But he is welcome to another,
One that has bright gold in store;
It's him that caused my heart to flunder[?],
I'm left alone because i'm poor.

Farewell friends and kind relations,
Farewell to you, my false young man;
It's your view that's caused me pain and sorrow,
Never to return again.

Go and leave me if you wish it,
Never let me cross your mind;
If you think me so unworthy,
Go and leave me, never mind.

Chapman

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 03 Jul 04 - 02:56 PM

Although Go and leave me is the tune Armstrong intended for his song, that published by A L Lloyd in Come All Ye Bold Miners (revised edition, 1978, p 183) and quoted at Folkinfo, is a different one, taken from oral currency. Lloyd commented of Trimdon Grange, "... now it is usually heard attached to the come-all-ye type tune given here."

Martin Carthy's recording of Trimdon Grange employs at any rate a form of the original Go and leave me tune; he learned it from Bob Davenport, and it is very close to Columbus Stockade, for instance.

I don't think that Peggy Seeger meant to imply that Go and leave me was a Scottish song; she wrote, "In Scotland it was called Go and Leave Me (If You Wish It). So it was; but it had the same name in England and Ireland as well.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Jul 04 - 04:14 PM

Many similar songs.
Lyr. Add: Thou Hast Learned to Love Another
Charles Slade, 1849

Thou hast learned to love another,
Thou hast broken every vow;
We have parted from each other,
And my heart is lonely now;
I have taught my looks to shun thee,
When coldly we have met,
For another's smile hath won thee,
And thy voice I must forget.
Oh is it well to sever
This heart from thine forever,
Can I forget thee? Never!
Farewell, farewell forever!

We have met in scenes of pleasure,
We have met in halls of pride,
I have seen thy new-found treasure,
I have gazed upon thy bride,
I have marked the timid [sic ?]
Of thy downcast, happy eye,
I have seen thee gaze upon her,
Forgetting I was by.
I grieve that e're I met thee,
Fain, fain would I forget thee,
Farewell, farewell forever!

We have met and we have parted,
But I uttered scarce a word;
Like a guilty thing I started,
When thy well-known voice I heard;
Thy looks were stern and altered,
And thy words were cold and high,
How my traitor courage faltered,
When I dared to meet thine eye.
Oh woman's love will grieve her,
And woman's pride will leave her,
Farewell, farewell forever!

Charles Slade, 1849, pub. Oliver Ditson. Also by Charles Grobe, 1857, and J. C. Beckel, 1852. Tune essentially the same as "Go and Leave..."
Also on broadsides by De Marsan and by Doyle.
American Memory

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: rich-joy
Date: 21 May 05 - 01:42 AM

I have a number of recordings of this song and its variants, but the only one that has ever made me want to learn it and sing it, is by the excellent (and under-rated) British revival singer, Peta Webb : hers has much emotion - and yet also much dignity.

Checkout her 2000 Fellside recording # 155 with Ken Hall "As Close As Can Be".


Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Hawker
Date: 21 May 05 - 06:55 PM

I have a recording by Peta Webb singing this song on the CD 'Voices' English Traditional Songs by Assorted singers. on Fellside FECD87. The information on the CD reads: "A love lament heard widely in Britain and Ireland. The chorus comes from Suffolk singer Percy Webb and the verses from many singers, mainly travellers. Peta says that she likes to bring out the woman's scorn for the man who jilts her as well as her pain. Peta believes firmly in the importance of learning directly from traditional sources and wherever possible has gone to meet the singers from whom she learnt. She has been on many collecting trips adding considerable knowledge as well as enthusiasm for traditional music. Peta is another great stylist."

Hope that information is of use. It is a cracking track.

Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST,AnneMC
Date: 22 May 05 - 03:21 PM

The best version of "Columbus Stockade Blues" that I've heard is Hans Theesink's version
on "Banjoman- a tribute to Deroll Adams." Awesome !

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST,o hAnlon
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 06:01 AM

A recording 1979 of John Quinn, Mullaghbawn Co Armagh ,Ireland " You know I am a stranger" Outlet OAS 3018 .
This version has a verse following `Manys a day with you Ive travelled
...
" The heart has failed me and you know it
The heart that fondly beats for you
How often could I tell another
The tales of love I told to you"

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST,J C
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 02:41 PM

Gavin Greig wrote
"This song, judging from the number of requests one sees for it in the public print, must be pretty popular throughout the country.   We have got three local records of it.   They vary a good deal, showing that the song has been traditional for a while, although it cannot be very old".

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Declan
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 02:33 PM

O hAnlon

I also have that John Quinn album and love the version of the song on it.

Two other noteworthy versions by Irish singers are by Sarah and Rita Keane (aunts of Dolores, Sean and co) from Caherlistrane in County Galway and Mick and Jane Flynn from Miltown Malbay and County Clare. I've heard Mick and Jane sing this song many times, but it never fails to make the hairs on the bcak of my neck stand to attention when I do.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST,Saroise
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 10:03 AM

There is a related song from the Appalachians called 'Pal Of Mine', which Joan Baez recorded many years ago. I learnt it at my mothers steriogramme about 35 years ago, and the record wasn't new then! I later also pinched Peta Webb's verion of Go And Leave Me, which is by far the best I have heard. The Appalachian version is;

Many a night as you lay sleeping
Dreaming of your amber skies (?)
Lies a poor boy, broken hearted
listening to the wind that sighs

My little darlin', oh how I love you,
I love you none can tell,
In your heart you love another,
Little darlin', pal of mine.

Many a day with you I rambled,
Happy hours with you I've spent,
Thought I had your heart forever
But now I find 'twas only lent.

My little darlin', oh how I love you,
I love you none can tell,
In your heart you love another,
Little darlin', pal of mine.

Now there are just three things I wish for,
That's my casket, shroud and grave,
When I'm gone, don't weep for me,
Just kiss those lips that you betrayed.

My little darlin', oh how I love you,
I love you none can tell,
In your heart you love another,
Little darlin', pal of mine.

This doesn't have the dignity of the other does it? But then again, it is being sung from the man's point of view.....

The original Joan Baez recording has been released on cd by Vanguard (VMD2097). It doesn't say when it was first recorded, but the rather sparse notes do say that Joan was 20 at the time, so work it out from there!

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST,reggie miles
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 10:45 AM

I was going to mention "Columbus Stockade". I sing a version of that one on occasion. I see that it's already been mentioned by several folks.

I was influenced by the line used for the thread title when trying to complete the last verse of a song I wrote called, "Another Lover". My use twisted it to my purposes.

Go on and leave me
You don't have to linger
Gave you my ring
You just gave me the finger

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 06:43 AM

The rather wonderful Mekons recorded Trimdon Grange Explosion on their 1987 Honky Tonkin' album. Lyrics at http://www.mekons.de/lps.htm

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 09:11 AM

'Go and Leave me if you wish it' is scarce on broadsides. I only have versions by Forth of Hull and Sanderson of Edinburgh, both continuing to print well after 1900. I'd say 1880 was a fair cut-off point, and parlour song very likely.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: nutty
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 09:38 AM

This version .......
'and since you leave me'
in Levy (which Q transcribed in 2004) states .........

Entered according to the Act of Congress on the sixth day of December 1824 by George Willig of the state of Maryland,
Words by Mrs Alsop - tune ... an Irish Melody arranged by A Clifton.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 04:05 PM

Aye nutty,
But that's a totally separate song from the one under discussion.

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Vicar
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 07:22 PM

The Chad Mitchell Trio recorded the song in this form:

"Way down in Columbus, Georgia - I wanta go back to Tennessee
Way down in Columbus Stockade, my friends all turned their backs on me.

Chorus: Well you can go and leave me if you want to
       Never let it cross your mind
       If in your heart you love another,         
       You can leave me, ltttle darlin' I won't mind.

(I just realized I can't rattle off the next verses! It was early on in the 60's and, besides I am "getting on")

                                        Joe Frazier
                                        CMT

Subject: RE: Origins: Go and leave me if you wish it
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 02:46 AM

We got this a number of times from singers we recorded, mainly from Irish Travellers.
Personally I have always found it extremely schmaltzy and over-sentimental - more akin to a Victorian tear-jerker than a traditional song; one that maybe wasn't long enough in the tradition to have the rough edges smoothed off.
I was interested to read Gavin Greig's note to it in 'Folk-Song of the North-East' (1907-11) which goes some way to confirming my opinion.
"This song, judging from the number of requests one sees for it in the public prints, must be pretty popular throughout the country. We have got three local records of it. They vary a good deal, showing that the song has been traditional for a while, although it cannot be very old. We have a record of the tune got from an elderly lady in Buchan."
Jim Carroll