It being in springtime
The small birds they were a-singing
Down by a shady arbour
A careless deed did stray
Where the thrushes they were warbling
The violets were charming
For to hear two lovers talking
Why, life 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 bonny Bann begs
Forever I'll be due"
He said, "My dear, don't grieve me
Or yet annoy my patience
You know I'll 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 a merry keg
"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 bonny Bann begs
Your sorrows you'd give o'er
And if you were but for one hour
All in her shady bower
Pleasure would surround you
You'd think on death no more"
"So, fare thee well, sweet Craighill
Where oftentimes I've roved 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 bonny boats a-sailing
Way down by Durin's shore"