"(Once I courted a) Charming Beauty Bright" is an American folk song. It is found in both Southern and Northern states during the 19th Century.[1] [2] The song is about a man who finds a woman, leaves for seven years, and upon his return to his home he learns of her death.
According to the Max Hunter collection, the lyrics are as follows:
So, I struck outCaliforny for to goTo see if ICould forget my love or noO, seven long yearsBeen serving of my kingAn' it's seven long yearsReturning home again
When their MotherSeen me comingShe'd wrung her hands an' criedSaying, my daughter loves you dearlyAn' for your sake, she died
O, then I was strokedLike a man that was slainTh tears, they poured downLike showers of rainSaying, o, ho, ho,hoMy grief I cannot bearMy true loves in 'er graveAn' I want to be there[3]