Текст пісні
It being in spring, and the small birds they were singing
Down by a shady arbour, a careless deed did stray
Where the thrushes they were warbling, the violets were charming
For to view two lovers talking, while I did delay
She said, "My dear, don't leave me all for another season
Though fortune may be pleasing, I'll go along with you
I'll forsake friends and relations, and quit this Irish nation
And to the bonnie Ben Banks, forever I'll be due"
He said, "My dear, don't grieve me, or yet annoy my patience
You know I love you dearly, although I'm going away
I'm going to some foreign nation, to purchase a plantation
For to comfort us hereafter, all in America"
The landlords and their agents, their bailiffs and their beagles
The lands of our forefathers, we're forced for to give o'er
For 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 on dying
One sight of the bonnie Ben Banks, your sorrows you'd give o'er
And if you 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 cradle, where oftentimes I've rode in
I never thought in my childhood days I'd part you anymore
For we're sailing on the ocean, for honor and promotion
And the bonnie boats a-sailing, way down by Durin's shore