Oh, when I was a young boy sure I longed to see the world
To sail around the see in ships and see the sails unfurled
I went to seek my fortune on the far side of the hill
I've wondered far and wide and of travel I've had my fill

And it's home boys home
Home I long to be
Home for a while in the old country
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all growing greener in the old country

Well I've left my home behind me and I've sailed across the tide
I said that I'd be back again and take her for my bride
But many years have passed and gone and still I'm far away
I know she is a fond true-love and waiting for the day

Now I've learned there's more to life than to wonder and to roam
Happiness and peace of mind can best be found at home
'Cause money can't buy happiness and money cannot bind
So I'm going back tomorrow to the girl I left behind