“The Girl I Left Behind Me” derives from the Irish melody An Spailpín Fánach (“The Wandering Labourer”), collected by Edward Bunting in 1840 from harper Arthur O’Neill. However, English sources claim it originated in 1758 with Admirals Hawke and Rodney observing the French fleet. The first printed lyrics appeared in Dublin in 1791, the “The Charms of Melody.” Known as “Brighton Camp” in England for Morris dancing, it became a U.S. military marching song during the Civil War, played by both armies.
The tune can be found with numerous melodic variations. The Dan Gellert recording uses phrasing found in the 1865 Converse Greenbook version and takes on a spooky tone.
Key: G major
Tradition: English, Irish, Old Time
Music by: Traditional
Books
- The Milliner-Koken Collection of American Fiddle Tunes – Clare Milliner and Walt Koken
- The Fiddler's Fakebook – David Brody
- Hamblen Collection (A Collection of Violin Tunes Popular During the Early 1800's) – Armeanous Porter Hamblen
- Ryan's Mammoth Collection – William Bradbury Ryan
- Method for the Banjo (1865 Greenbook) – Frank B. Converse