Girl I Left Behind Me, The

G majorEnglish · Irish · Old TimeFirst notes: G F E D B G A B

“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.

To save your practice list, login or create a free account.

Sheet music Timeline Similar tunes ↓

Lessons

Old Time & Bluegrass Fiddle – Brittany Haas (Subscription Required)

Recordings

Books

External Sources

Lyrics in "The Charms of Melody", 1791 – Internet Archive

Similar Tunes You Might Like

Cottage by the Sea, The

Shares the same bright major feel

1

Rory O'More Jig

A major | Jig

A jig sharing the same bright major character

1

Quindaro Hornpipe

G major | Hornpipe

A hornpipe sharing the same bright major character

1

1

Who Made Your Breeches?

D major | Reel

A reel sharing the same bright major character

1

1

Irish Show Boy Jig

D major | Jig

A jig sharing the same bright major character

1

1

Billy Patterson's Favorite Jig

G major | Jig

A jig sharing the same bright major character

1

1

Croppies Lie Down

G major | Jig

A jig sharing the same bright major character

1

1

Maggie Brown's Favorite

D major | Jig

A jig sharing the same bright major character

1

2

The Pivot Brig Jig

A major | Jig

A jig sharing the same bright major character

1

1

Pear Tree

F major | Hornpipe

A hornpipe sharing the same bright major character

1

1

3