It being in the springtime when the small birds they were singing
Down by yon shady harbour I carelessly did stray
Well the thrushes they were warbling, and the violets they were charming
To view to 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 me or you 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 here after all in Amerikay
Then after a short while and a fortune does be pleasing
It’ll cause them all 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 Amerikay
The landlords and their agents,The bailiffs and their beagles
The land of our forefathers, we're going for to giveo'er
And now we're sailing o'er the ocean for honour and promotion
And parting from our sweethearts-its them we do adore
If you were lying in your bed and thinking about dying
The sight of the bonny Bann banks, your sorrow you′d give o′er
Or if were just one hour, down in yon shady bower,
Pleasure would surround you, and you'd think on death no more.
So fare you well, sweet Cragie Hills, where often times I′ve roved
I never thought my child-days I ′d part you ever more
Now we′re sailing over the ocean for honour and promotion
And the bonny boats are sailing, way down by Doorin shore