It being in the Spring, the small birds were singing
Down by yon flowery arbour I carelessly did stray
Where the thrushes they were warbling, the violets so charming
To view to Lovers talking a while I did delay.

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 quite this Irish nation
And to the bonny Baun banks for ever I’ll bid adieu.

He said my dear don’t grieve me nor yet deny my patience
You know I love you dearly, although I’m going away
I’m going to a foreign nation to purchase a plantation
To comfort us hereafter, all in America.

And after a short while, if fortune may be pleasing
I will cause us 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, the bailiffs and their beagles
The land of our forefathers were 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.

If you were on your bed lying, and thinking of dying
On sigh of the bonny Baun banks your sorrow you’d give o’er.
Or if you were one hour, down in your shady bower
Such pleasure would surround you, you’d think on death no more.

Then fare-you-well sweet Craigie hill, where often times I’ve roved.
I never thought (in) my childhood days I’d part you any more
Now we’re sailing on the ocean, for honour and promotion
And the bonny boats are sailing, way down by Doorin shore.