The first published version of this song appeared in Roxburghe Ballads dated 1710, the lyrics were there given the title "The True Lover's Farewell". "Fare Thee Well" shares several lyrics which parallel those of Robert Burns' "A Red, Red Rose". The lyrics are also strikingly similar to a folk song titled, "My Dear Mary Ann" that dates back to the mid-19th century. Similarities include the meter and rhyme scheme, as well as the alternative title of "Ten Thousand Miles". The song has been recorded by Nic Jones, Mary Black, Eliza Carthy, Chad & Jeremy, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Liam Clancy, Marianne Faithfull, Burl Ives, Molina and Roberts, and June Tabor. Joan Baez recorded it on her 1960 debut album, which most likely was where Joni heard it.