American Old Time Song Lyrics: 26 My Inconstancy

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 26

MY INCONSTANCY.

My parents raised me tenderly, they had no child but me,
But being of a rambling mood with them could not agree;
So I became a rover, and it grieved my heart full sore
To leave my aged parents, whom ne'er shall I see more.

There was a worthy gentleman who lived in our part,
Who had a lovely daughter, and I had gained her heart-
She was noble-minded, and beautiful and fair,
With Columbia's fairest daughters she truly could compare.

I told her my intention was quite soon to cross the main,
And asked if she'd prove faithful till I returned again;
Big tear-drops came into her eyes, her bosom heaved a sigh,
As earnestly she quick replied: My love can never die.

She said: "I lately had a dream, I cannot well believe,
What distance breaks the link of love and leaves a maid to grieve;"
I fondly pressed upon her cheek warm kisses without fear,
"I swear by Him who rules the sky that I will prove sincere."

Her heart was true, as I believe, her eyes once more were calm,
She placed her arms around my neck, they seemed as healing balm;
Go forth, she said, my prayer shall be for perfect health and mind,
And heaven grant you safe return to the girl you leave behind.

According to arrangement I went on board a ship,
And to the town of Glasgow I made a pleasant trip;
I found that gold, was plenty, the maidens very kind,
And my love began to cool for the girl I left behind.

For Dublin's town I next set forth, a hospitable land,
Where handsome Jenny Ferguson soon took me by the hand;
Said she: I have gold in plenty, am in love with you, I find,
[ So thoughts of riches destroyed my love for the girl I left behind.

She said: If you will marry me and will no further rove,
The gold that I possess is yours, and I will faithful prove;
Your parents and all others whom you have left behind,
You'll see no more if you marry me, and this must keep in mind.

To this I soon consented, but only to my shame,
For how can one be happy who is false to his good name;
'Tis true I've gold in plenty and a wife who is good and kind
But still my pillow is haunted by the girl I left behind.

My father is in his winding sheet, my mother, too, has gone,
The girl I love seems standing near my fickleness to mourn;
With broken hearts they all have died, and now too late I find
That God doth know my cruelty to the girl I left behind.