A spring day and the small birds were singing
Down by a shady arbour I carelessly did stray
And the curlews were warbling, the harebells blooming
I see two lovers talking, a while I did delay.
She said my love don't leave me all for another season
While fortune may be pleasing I'll go along with you
I'll forsake friends and relations and quit this Irish nation
And to the bonny Bann banks I'll bid adieu.
He said my love don't grieve me or yet annoy my patience
You know I love you dearly although I must away
I'm going to some foreign nation to purchase a plantation
For to feed us hereafter all in Americae.
The Landlords and their agents, their bailiffs and their beagles
The land of our forefathers we're forced to give o'er
And we're sailing on the ocean for honour and promotion
Parting with our sweethearts it's them we do adore.
If you were in your bed lying and thinking on dying
One sight of the bonny Bann banks and your sorrows you'd give o'er
And if you were but one hour all in her shady bower
Pleasure would surround you and you'd think on death no more.
So fare thee well, sweet Craigie Hill where oft'times I've roved in
I never thought in my childhood days I'd part you anymore
'Cause we're sailing on the ocean for honour and promotion
The bonny boat's a- sailing down by Doorin's shore.