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 for another season Though fortune does be pleasing I'll go along with you I'll forsake friends and relations and bid this only 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 America Then after a short while a fortune does be pleasing It'll cause them 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 America 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 you were down one hour, down in yon shady bower Pleasure would surround you, you'd think on death no more Then fare you well, sweet Craigie Hill, 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