I'm lonesome since I cross'd the hill
And o'er the moor and valley;
Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill,
Since parting with my Sally.

I seek no more the fine and gay,
For each does but remind me
How swift the hours did pass away
With the girl I've left behind me.

Oh ne'er shall I forget the night,
The stars were bright above me,
And gently lent their silv'ry light,
When first she vow'd she loved me.

But now I'm bound to Brighton camp,
Kind Heav'n may favor find me,
And send me safely back again
To the girl I've left behind me.

abc | midi | pdf

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Source: Agay, Denes, (1975) Best Loved Songs of the American People, Doubleday

Notes:
Agay notes: 'This lively traditional fife tune, imported from England as 'Brighton Camp,' was known in America as early as the seventeenth century, and became generally popular during the Revolution.'

Much additional information about the song, including the difficulties of dating it can be found in the related thread






Roud: 262 (Search Roud index at VWML) Take Six
Laws:
Child: