It being in the springtime and the small
Birds they were singing
Down by yon shady harbour I carelessly
Did stray
The the thrushes they were warbling
The violets they were charming
To view fond lovers talking, a while I did
Delay.
She said, my dear don't leave me all for
Another season
Though fortune does be pleasing I 'll go
Along with you
I 'll forsake friends and relations and bid
This Irish nation
And to the bonny Bann banks forever I 'll
Bid adieu.
He said, my dear don't grieve or yet annoy
My patience
You know I love you dearly the more I'm
Going away
I'm going to a foreign nation to purchase a
Plantation
To comfort us hereafter all in Amerika y.
Then after a short while a fortune does be
Pleasing
T'will cause them for smile at our late
Going away
We'll be happy as Queen Victoria, all in her
Greatest glory
We'll be drinking wine and porter all in
Amerika y.
If you were in your bed lying and thinking
On dying
The sight of the lovely Bann banks,
Your sorrow you'd give o'er
Or if were down one hour, down in yon
Shady bower
Pleasure would surround you, you'd think
On death no more.
Then fare you well, sweet Cragie Hills,
Where often times I've roved
I never thought my childhood days I 'd part
You any more
Now we're sailing on the ocean for honour
And promotion
And the bonny boats are sailing, way
Down by Doorin shore.