I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
For my love to find
But the sea is wide and I cannot swim over 
And nor do I have wings to fly
If I could find me a handsome boatman
To ferry me over to my love and die

My childhood days bring back sad reflections
Of happy times spent long ago
My childhood friends and my own relations
Have all passed on now like melting snow
So I'll spend my days in endless roving
Soft is the grass and my bed is free
To be back now in Carrickfergus
On that long road down by the sea

So I'll spend my days in endless roving
Soft is the grass and my bed is free
But I am sick now and my days are numbered
Come all ye young men and lay me down
Come all ye young men and lay me down