[Verse 1]
I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
The deepest ocean, for my love to find
But the sea is wide and I can't swim over
And neither have I the wings to fly
I wish I could find a handy boatman
To ferry me over to my love die

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 2]
My childhood days bring back sad reflections
Of happy days, so long ago
My boyhood friends and my old relations
Have all passed on now like the melting snow
So spend my days in endless roving
Soft as grass, my bed is free
Oh, to be home now, in Carrickfergus
On the long road down, to the salty sea
And in Kilkenny, it is rеported
On marble stone as black as ink
With gold and silvеr, I did support her
But I sing no more now 'til I get a drink
I'm drunk today, I'm rarely sober
A handsome rover from town to town
Oh, but I'm sick now and my days are numbered
Come all ye young men and lay me down