it being in the springtime
and the small birds they were singing,
down by yon shady harbour
i carelessly did stray,
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 amerikay.
then after a short while
a fortune does be pleasing,
i'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 amerikay.
if you were in your bed lying
and thinking on dying,
the sight of the lovely bann banks,
your sorrow you'd give over,
or if were down one hour,
down in you 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