When first to this country
a stranger I came
I placed my affection
on a maid that was young
She being fair and tender
her waist small and slender
Kind nature had formed her
for my overthrow
On the banks of the Bann,
when first I beheld her
She appeared like great Juno
the fair Grecian Queen
Her eyes shone like diamonds
or stars brightly gleaming
Her cheeks were like Roses
or blood drops on snow
'Twas her cruel parents
that first caused our variance
All because she was rich
and above my degree
But I'll do my whole endeavour
for to gain my love's favour
There is no other fair one
on Earth I adore
Had I all the wealth
that's in the West Indies
I'd put rings on her fingers
and gold in her ears
And there on the lovely banks
of the lovely Bann River
In all kinds of splendour
I'd live with my dear
In all kinds of splendour
I'd live with my dear