The origin of this folk song is lost to history. “The Girl I Left Behind Me” is claimed by both England and Ireland. It is said to date to the mid-1700s or even possibly back to the 1600s. The earliest known publication in print that lists the title and lyrics dates to 1791 in “The Charms of Melody,” Dublin, Ireland. The oldest known printed copy of the melody appears in “Himes Pocket Book for the German Flute or Violin” Volume 3 also from Dublin, Ireland. There are numerous English, Irish and American versions of the lyrics. This song was also popular with early fiddlers and can be found in “Abel Shattuck’s Book” circa 1801.

During the War of 1812, American soldiers heard a captured British prisoner singing this tune. The United States Army adopted the song and made “The Girl I Left Behind Me” into a march. The song still remains in the military’s repertoire and can be heard at West Point as part of a medley for the cadet’s final formation at graduation.

During The War Between the States both the Union and Confederate composers wrote numerous lyrics favoring their side’s interpretation of the war.