[00:06] The dames of France are fond and free.[00:09] And Flemish lips are willing,[00:11] And soft the maids of Italy,[00:15] And Spanish eyes are thrilling;[00:18] Still, though I bask beneath their smile,[00:20] Their charms fail to bind me.[00:23] And my heart falls back to Erin's Isle,[00:26] To the girl I left behind me.[00:32] For she's as fair as Shannon's side,[00:35] And purer than its water.[00:38] But she refused to be my bride[00:42] Though many a year I sought her.[00:45] Yet, since to France I sailed away,[00:47] Her letters oft remind me[00:51] That I promised never to gainsay[00:54] The girl I left behind me.[01:00] She says, "My own dear love, come home,[01:03] My friends are rich and many,[01:06] Or else abroad with you I'll roam[01:09] A soldier stout as any;[01:12] If you'll not come, nor let me go,[01:15] I'll think you have resigned me.”[01:18] My heart nigh broke when I answered,"No!”[01:21] To the girl I left behind me.[01:27] For never shall my true love brave[01:30] A life of war and toiling;[01:33] And never as a skulking slave[01:36] I'll tread my native soil on;[01:39] But were it free or to be freed,[01:42] The battle close would find me[01:45] To Ireland bound nor message need[01:48] From the girl I left behind me.