Henrik Norbeck's Song Lyrics

Craigie Hills

Craigie Hill
Sheet Music (and more information about this song)

It being in spring and the small birds they were singing,
Down by yon shady arbour I carelessly did stray,
Where the thrushes they were warbling, the violets were charming,
For to hear two 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 quit this Irish nation
And to the bonnie 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
To comfort us hereafter all in Americay."

Then after a short while if fortune does be pleasing,
'Twill 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 Amerikay.

The landlords and their agents, the bailiffs and their beagles
The land of our forefathers we're 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 in your bed lying and thinking on dying
One sight of the bonny Bann banks, your sorrow you'd give o'er
And if your were one hour, down in yon shady bower
Pleasure would surround you, you'd think on death no more.

So fare you well, sweet Craigie Hill, where oft times 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 boats are sailing way down by Doorin shore.

Discography: Paddy Tunney: The Irish Edge
Dolores Keane
Dick Gaughan
Caladh Nua
Cara Dillon

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