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Girl I Left Behind Me

G majorIrishFirst 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.

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