[Verse 1]
It being in spring and the small birds they were singing
Down by yon shady arbour I carelessly did stray
Where the thrushes they were warbling, the violets were charming
To view two lovers talking a while I did delay

[Verse 2]
She said. “My dear, don’t leave me 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
Unto the bonnie Bann banks forever I’ll bid adieu.”

[Verse 3]
He said, “My dear, don’t grieve me or yet annoy my patience
You know I love you dearly the more I’m going away
I’m going to some foreign nation to purchase a plantation
For to comfort us hereafter all in America

[Verse 4]
“Then after a short while, if fortune does be pleasing
'Twill cause them 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 America.”

[Verse 5]
The landlords and their agents, the bailiffs and their beagles
The land 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 'tis them we do adore
[Verse 6]
If you were in your bed lying and thinking on dying
One sight of the bonnie Bann banks your sorrow you'd give o'er
Or if you were one hour down in yon shady bower
Pleasure would surround you. You'd think on death no more

[Verse 7]
So fare you well, sweet Craigie Hill, where oftentimes I've roamed
I never thought my childhood days I'd part you anymore
Now we're sailing on the ocean for honour and promotion
And the bonnie boats are sailing way down by Doorin shore