Lyrics as performed on Oscar Brand’s Folk Song Festival, WNYC,
NYC, Oct 29, 1961
Lyrics transcribed by Manfred Helfert
Chords tabbed by Kaliph Hayes
Capoed 3rd fret (original key Cm)
Am E Am Am There was a wealthy old farmer C E Am That lived in the county nearby Am He had a lovin' daughter C E On whom I cast my eye Am She was pretty fair and handsome C E And did so very fine Am There was no girl in the county E With her that could compare Am E Am I asked her if she'd be willing To let me cross over the plains. She said it would be alright with her Just so I'd return again. She said that she'd be true to me Till death would be unkind. We kissed, shook hands, and parted. I left my girl behind. Out in a western city, boys, A town you all know well, Where everyone was friendly, They'd show me all around. The work an' money was plentyful, And the girls to me were kind. But the only girl I thought about Was the girl I'd left behind. One day when I was ramblin' 'round Down by the public square, The mail coach it came in, And I met the mail boy there. He handed me a letter, gave me to understand That the girl I left in old Texas She married another man. I turned myself all around and around Not knowing what else to do. I rid down a little pace further, Just to see if these words were true. It's drinkin' I throw over, Card playin' I'll resign, For the only girl I ever did love Was the girl I left behind. Come around, you ramblin' gamblin' men, And listen while I tell. If it does to you no good, kind friends, I'm a-sure it will do you no harm. If you ever find you a fair young maid, Just marry her while you can. For if you ever cross over the plain, she'll marry another man.