The Girl You Left Behind is a show tune sung by Tanya Mousekewitz, during her debut at Cat R. Waul's saloon. Initially the cats are skeptical about a mouse performer, but take such a liking to this song that they become instant fans of Tanya. During the song Tanya inadvertently rescues Fievel from a jar by shattering it with her voice, and while she sings Fievel tries to get away from Chula.
The official soundtrack to An American Tail: Fievel Goes West includes a version of this song without the sounds of Fievel's struggle with Chula in the background.
Lyrics
Tanya:
Do you ever miss the girl you left behind?
Is the girl you left behind out there tonight romancin'?
Makin' eyes at someone else and singin', is she dancin'?
Only the girl you left behind is real when you're sleepin'
Puts the teardrops in your eyes from secrets she is keepin'
Happy just playin' a tune and dance the whole night away
Hope the girl you left behind will be there for you someday
Lonely is the wind that blows, you know you'll always miss her
Lonely is a lover's heart, if only you could
Kiss her, kiss her, kiss her
All the girls you left behind could fill up California
Please don't leave them too darn long, I think I oughtta warn ya
Absence makes the heart go cold and makes a heart to wander
If you stay there by their sides, you'll feel their hearts grow fonder
Cats:
Hope you see her someday
Hope I find my way
Back to the girl I left behind
Tanya:
So tell me you will never roam
Cats:
(We swear we won't go roaming)
Tanya:
You'll be by your fireside
Cats:
(We'll all be home sweet home and kiss her, kiss her, kiss her)
Tanya:
So where's the girl you left behind?
Cats:
She's waitin' for her sister
We won't stop until we're home we'll hug and hug and kiss her
I'll find the girl
I'll find the girl
I'll find the girl
I'll find the girl
All:
You'll (I'll) find the girl
You'll (I'll) find the girl you (I) left behind
Tonight! Tonight! Tonight!
That's right
Alright!