"(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.
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