It being in the springtime and the small birds they were singing
Down by yon shady arbour 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&9t leave me all for another season
Though fortune does be pleasing I&9ll go along with you
I&9ll forsake friends and relations and bid this Irish nation
And to the bonny Bann banks forever I&9ll bid adieu

He said, my dear don&9t grieve or yet annoy my patience
You know I love you dearly a more I&9m going away
I&9m going to a foreign nation to purchase a plantation
To comfort us hereafter all in America y

Then after a short while a fortune does be pleasing
&9Twill cause them for to smile at our late going away
We&9ll be happy as Queen Victoria, all in her greatest glory
We&9ll be drinking wine and porter, all in America y

If you were in your bed lying and thinking on dying
The sight of the lovely Bann banks your sorrow you&9d give o&9er
Or if were down one hour, down in yon shady bower
Pleasure would surround you, you&9d think on death no more

Then fare you well, sweet Craigie Hill, where often times I&9ve roved
I never thought my childhood days I&9d part you any more
Now we&9re sailing on the ocean for honour d promotion
And the bonny boats are sailing, way down by Doorin shore