Ah well, who wouldn't be a sailor lad a 'sailin' on the main
To gain the goodwill of his captain's good name
He came ashore one evening for to be
And that was the beginning of me own true love and me

[Chorus]
And it's home, boys, home
Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all a-growin' green in the north country

Well I asked her for a candle for to light me up to bed
And likewise for a handkerchief to tie around me head
She tended to me needs like a young maid ought to do
So then I says to her: "Now won't you leap in with me too?"

[Chorus]
And it's home, boys, home
Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all a-growin' green in the north country

Well she jumped into bed, making no alarm
Thinking a young sailor lad could do to her no harm
Well I hugged her and I kissed her the whole night long
Till she wished the short night had been seven years long
[Chorus]
And it's home, boys, home
Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all a-growin' green in the north country

Well, early next morning the sailor lad arose
And into Mary's apron threw a handful of gold
Saying, "Take this, me dear, for the mischief that I've done
For tonight I fear I've left you with a daughter or a son"

[Chorus]
And it's home, boys, home
Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all a-growin' green in the north country

Well, if it be a girl child, send her out to nurse
With gold in her pocket and with silver in her purse
And if it be a boy child he'll wear the jacket blue
And go climbing up the rigging like his daddy used to do

[Chorus]
And it's home, boys, home
Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all a-growin' green in the north country
Oh come all of you fair maidens, a warning take by me
And never let a sailor lad an inch above your knee
For I trusted one and he beguiled me
He left me with a pair of twins to dangle on me knee

[Chorus]
And it's home, boys, home
Home I'd like to be, home for a while in me own country
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all a-growin' green in the north country