"(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. 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. Lyrics According to the Max Hunter collection, the lyrics are as follows: Once't I courted A charming beauty bright I courted her by day And I courted her by night I courted her for love An' love I did obtain An' I'm sure she must have loved me She had no reason to complain So, I struck out Californy for to go To see if I Could forget my love or no O, seven long years Been serving of my king An' it's seven long years Returning home again When their Mother Seen me coming She'd wrung her hands an' cried Saying, my daughter loves you dearly An' for your sake, she died O, then I was stroked Like a man that was slain Th tears, they poured down Like showers of rain Saying, o, ho, ho,ho My grief I cannot bear My true loves in 'er grave An' I want to be there References American folk songs 19th-century songs Songwriter unknown Year of song unknown