Relationship Field Revoke Multiple

I'm wondering if there is a workaround for this error message:

Error editing field Tracker: MKS124205: The relationship field cannot be converted to single-valued since there exists, or has existed, multi-valued relationships on the field.

I had optimistically replied yes to this inquiry:

Convert the field "xxxxxx" from multi-valued to single-valued?

Note that existing items and item history will continue to reflect existing multiple values for this field.

I also ensured that all current values were made single, but the error message seems to indicate that I am still burdened with the history of multiples. I am hoping there might be a workaround other than creating a whole new field. Guessing that somebody has maybe asked this before but I haven't found it in the community.

Hopefully,

Dave