It being in spring when the small birds were singing Down by a shady harbour I carelessly did stray Where the thrushes they were warbling The violets were charming To hear fond lovers talking while I did delay
She said my dear don't leave me for another season If fortune does seem pleasing I'll go along with you I'll forsake friends and relations I'll quit this Irish nation And to the bonny Bann Isles forever I'll bid adieu
He said my dear don't grieve me or you'll 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 if fortune does seem pleasing T'will cause you 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 Amerikay
The landlords and their agents, their books and their bailifs The lands of our forefathers we're forced for to give o'er 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 upon dying One sight of the bonny Bann banks, your sorrow would give o'er Or if your 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 roved I never thought in my youthful days I'd part you any more Now we're sailing on the ocean For honour and promotion While the bonny boats are sailing, down by Doon's shore