The Girl I Left Behind
Levon Helm Lyrics

There was a wealthy old farmer
In the vicinity lived a prosperous senior agriculturist.

Lived in the country nearby
He resided in the neighbouring rural area.

Well, he had a handsome daughter
He had an attractive daughter.

On whom I cast my eye,
I took a liking to her.

Oh, I asked if it made any difference
I inquired whether it would matter

If I crossed over the plains
If I travelled across the flat, uncultivated land

Like why'd she be true to me
I questioned why she would stay loyal to me.

If I returned again,
If I returned subsequently.

She said that she'd be true to me
She declared that she would remain faithful to me.

Til death doth proved unkind
Until our lives came to an unfortunate end.

So we kissed, shook hands and parted
We kissed, shook hands and said goodbye.

And I left my girl behind,
I left my beloved behind.

So I headed for old Missouri
I went to old Missouri.

Kind faces for to see
To see friendly faces.

There was one Miss Molly Walker
One Miss Molly Walker was there.

Fell deep in love with me,
She fell deeply in love with me.

She said your pockets shall be lined with gold
She said I would become wealthy.

Your working days will be o'er
I would no longer have to work.

If you'll consent to marry me
If I agreed to marry her

And swear you'll roam no more,
And promise to stop wandering.

Well, if I consent to marry you
However, if I accept her proposal

I'm sure I'll be to blame
I will undoubtedly incur criticism.

For the girl I left behind
My former lover whom I abandoned

Would laugh at me for shame,
Would ridicule me with scorn.