It being in the spring where the small birds were singing
Down by a shady arbour I carelessly did stray
Where the thrushes they were warbling, the violets still charming
For to view two lovers talking a while I did delay

She said, “My dear, don’t leave me for another season
If fortune may be pleasing I’ll go along with you
I’ll give up friends and relations and quit this Irish nation
And to the bonnie Bann banks I'll say forever I’ll bid adieu”

He said, “My dear, don’t grieve me or you annoy my patience
You know I love you dearly although I’m going away
I’m going to a foreign nation to purchase a plantation
For to comfort us hereafter all in America.

Then after a short while a fortune does be pleasing
Because 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 America(y)

The landlords and their agents, their bailiffs and their beagles
The land of our forefathers we’re forced for to give o’er
Now we’re sailing on the ocean for honor and promotion
And we’re parting with our sweethearts, it’s them we do adore

If you were in your bed lying and thinking of dying
One sight of the bonny Bann banks, your sorrows you’d give o’er
And if your were but one hour all in her shady bower
Pleasure would surround you, You’d think on death no more

So fare thee well, sweet Craigie Hill, where ofttimes I have roved in
I never thought in my childhood days I’d part you any more
Now we’re sailing on the ocean for honour and promotion
And the bonny boat’s sailing way down by Doorin shore