It being in spring when the small birds were singing
Down by a shady harbour I carelessly did stray
Where the thrushes they were warbling
The violets were charming
To hear fond lovers talking while I did delay

She said my dear don't leave me for another season
If fortune does seem pleasing I'll go along with you
I'll forsake friends and relations
I'll quit this Irish nation
And to the bonny Bann Isles forever I'll bid adieu

He said my dear don't grieve me or you'll annoy my patience
You know I love you dearly the more I'm going away
I'm going to a foreign nation
To purchase a plantation
To comfort us hereafter all in Amerikay

Then after a short while if fortune does seem pleasing
T'will cause you for to smile at our late going away
We'll be happy as Queen Victoria
All in her greatest glory
We'll be drinking wine and porter all in Amerikay

The landlords and their agents, their books and their bailifs
The lands of our forefathers we're forced for to give o'er
Now we're sailing on the ocean
For honour and promotion
And parting with our sweethearts, it's them we do adore

If you were in your bed lying and thinking upon dying
One sight of the bonny Bann banks, your sorrow would give o'er
Or if your were one hour
Down in yon shady bower
Pleasure would surround you, you'd think on death no more

Then fare-you-well sweet Cragie Hills, where often times I roved
I never thought in my youthful days I'd part you any more
Now we're sailing on the ocean
For honour and promotion
While the bonny boats are sailing, down by Doon's shore