Henry's Songbook

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

She said, My dear don't leave me all 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
And to the bonny Bann banks forever I'll bid adieu

He said, My dear don't grieve me, or yet annoy my patience
You know I love you dearly although I'm going away
I'm going to some foreign nation to purchase a plantation
For to comfort us hereafter all in America

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

If you were in your bed lying and thinking of dying
One sight of the bonny Bann banks, your sorrows you'd give o'er
And if you were but one hour all in her shady bower
Pleasure would surround you, you'd think on death no more

So fare thee well sweet Craigie Hill where oftentimes I have roved in
I never thought in my childhood days I'd part you any more
But we're sailing on the ocean for honour and promotion
And the bonny boat's a-sailing way down by Doorin's shore

As sung by Dick Gaughan

[1998:] [A] Northern Ireland song of emigration (Tomás Lynch on Belgian radio, 16 Apr)