Craigie Hill

Craigie Hill - Dick Gaughan

It being the spring time and the small birds

They were singing

Down by yon shady arbour I carelessly did stray

The thrushes they were warbling

The violets they were charming

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 leave 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 honor 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 your 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 honor and promotion

And the bonny boat's a sailing way down by Doorin's shore