Chorus:
Farewell to Nova Scotia, you seabound coast
Let your mountains dark and dreary be
For when I am far away on the brimy ocean tossed
Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me?
The sun was setting in the west
The birds were singing on every tree
All nature seemed inclined for to rest
But still there was no rest for me
I grieve to leave my native land
I grieve to leave my comrades all
And my parents, whom I held so dear
And my bonny, bonny lassie that I loved so well
The drums do beat and the wars do alarm
My captain calls, I must obey
So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charm
For it's early in the morning, I'll be far, far away
I have three brothers and they are at rest
Their arms are folded on their breasts
But a poor and simple sailor just like me
Must be tossed and driven on the dark, blue sea