It being in spring and the small birds were singing
Down by a shady arbour I carelessly did stray
Where the thrushes they were warbling
The violets were charming
To view fond lovers talking a while I did delay
She said my dear don't leave me
For another season
Though fortune may be pleasing I'll go along with you
I'll forsake friends and relations
And quit this Irish nation
And to the bonnie Bann banks forever I'll bid adieu
He said My dear
Don't grieve me 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 America
Then after a short while a fortune does be pleasing
It will cause them for to 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
The landlords and their agents
Their bailiffs and their beagles
The land of our forefathers we're forced for to give over
Now we're sailing on the ocean for honour and promotion
And 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
Your sorrow you'd give over
Or if you were 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