“White Girl” Sheet Music (pdf).
“White Girl” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Lyrics: Peter La Farge.
Tune: Peter La Farge.
I am stunned, and I am broken,
And my head is in my hands
For she who said she loved me
Will not wed an Indian man.
My gods who were wild ridden
Stand quiet by my side
For, although I loved her,
She would not be my bride.
Oh, goodbye, softly sweet one.
It was splendid while it ran.
Goodbye, my bitter white girl.
I’ll forget you if I can.
She came up to the pueblo
With her bright blonde hair.
They told me not to love her,
But I did not care.
She took me to her parties;
She carried me around.
And I was a proud one,
The tallest man in town.
Oh, goodbye, softly sweet one.
It was splendid while it ran.
Goodbye, my bitter white girl.
I’ll forget you if I can.
For I found great wonder
All wrapped in brilliant dreams.
I held her strong but gentle,
As kings have held their queens.
I learned to drink strong whiskey,
As she took me here and there
Until life without my whiskey
I could not bear.
Oh, goodbye, softly sweet one.
It was splendid while it ran.
Goodbye, my bitter white girl.
I’ll forget you if I can.
Well, when she came to leave me,
She took me by the arm.
And she said she loved me
And would not do me harm.
But she would not marry.
“Not an Indian,” she said.
She thanked me for my offer,
And I wished that I was dead.
Oh, goodbye, softly sweet one.
It was splendid while it ran.
Goodbye, my bitter white girl.
I’ll forget you if I can.
Now, I’m back among my people,
And they are kind to me.
Although I’m sad with staggers
When I drink that tough whiskey
For I’ve been a white girl’s pet,
A captive Indian,
Shown off and discarded,
Just a drunk who might have been.
Oh, goodbye, softly sweet one.
It was splendid while it ran.
Goodbye, my bitter white girl.
I’ll forget you if I can.