It being in spring when the small birds were singing,
Down by a shady harbour I carelessly did stray,
Where the trushes were warbling, the violets were charming,
To hear fond lovers talking while I did delay.
She said: "My dear don't leave 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 bailiffs,
The lands of our forefathers we were forced for to give o'er.
Now we're sailing on the ocean for honor 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 you were one hour down in you shady bower,
Pleasure would surround you, you'd think on death no more.
Then fare-you-well sweet Cregagh Hills where often time I roved,
I never thought 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 Doone's shore.