It being in the springtime and the small birds they were singing, Down by yon shady harbour I carelessly did stray,
The the thrushes they were warbling,
The violets they were charming
To view fond lovers talking, a while I did delay.
She said, my dear don´t leave me all for another season, Though fortune does be pleasing I ´ll go along with you,
I ´ll forsake friends and relations and bid this Irish nation, 
And to the bonny Bann banks forever I ´ll bid adieu.
He said, my dear don´t grieve or yet annoy my patience,
You know I love you dearly the more I´m going away,
I´m going to a foreign nation to purchase a plantation,
To comfort us hereafter all in Amerika y.
Then after a short while a fortune does be pleasing,
T´will cause them for 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 Amerika y.
If you were in your bed lying and thinking on dying,
The sight of the lovely Bann banks, your sorrow you´d give o´er,
Or if were down one hour, down in yon shady bower,
Pleasure would surround you, you´d think on death no more. Then fare you well, sweet Cragie Hills, where often times
I´ve roved, I never thought 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.