O as I was a-walking down by yon mill-town,

The fair and lovely mountains they did me surround;

'Twas there I saw a fair maid, and to me she looked grand;

She was plucking wild roses on the banks of the Bann.



So I stepped up to this fair one, and to her I did say,

"Since nature has formed us for to meet on this day --

Since nature has formed us, won't you give me your hand,

And we will walk together on the banks of the Bann."



Now it being a summer's evening and a fine quiet place,

I knew by the blushes that appeared on her face....

We both lay down together unto a bed of sand,

And she rolled into my arms on the banks of the Bann.



"O young man, you have wronged me; won't you tell me your name,

That when my babe is born I may give it the same?"

"My name is Willie Archer, and I'd have you understand

That my home and habitation lie close by the Bann.



"But I cannot marry you, for apprenticed I'm bound

To the spinning and the weaving in Rathfriland town.

But when my time is over I will give you my hand

And we will be married on the banks of the Bann."



So come all you fair maidens, take warning by me:

Don't go out a-courting at one, two, or three.

Don't go out a-courting so late if you can,

Or you'll meet with Willie Archer on the banks of the Bann.