My name is Joe McGarvey as you might understand
I come from Derryginnet and I own a farm of land
But the rents were getting higher and I could no longer pay
So farewell unto ye bonny, bonny Slieve Gallon Brae

As I went a walking one morning in May
To view your fair valleys and your mountains so gay
I was thinking of your flowers all going to decay
That grow around ye bonny, bonny Slieve Gallon Brae

Oft times have I wandered with my dog and my gun
And travelled your valleys for joy and for fun
But those days are gone forever and I can no longer stray
So farewell unto ye bonny, bonny Slieve Gallon Brae

Oft times in the evenings and the sun in the west
I roamed hand in hand with the one I love best
But the dreams of youth have vanished and I am far away
So farewell unto ye bonny, bonny Slieve Gallon Brae

It is not the want of employment at home
That caused the poor sons of old Ireland to roam
But the rents are getting higher and I can no longer pay
So farewell unto ye bonny, bonny Slieve Gallon Brae

Farewell to old Erin, a land that is so green
To the Parish of Lissen and the cross of Ballinascreen
May good fortune shine upon you when I am far away
And a long farewell to bonny, bonny Slieve Gallon Brae