Dolores Keane - Craigie Hills, 1982

 

It being in the springtime and the small birds they were singing

Down by yon shady harbour I carelessly did stray

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 America.

 

Then after a short while a fortune does be pleasing

Twill cause them for to 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 America.

 

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 Craigie Hill, 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."

  May the sweet loving Lord adore you Dolores, as we do.

      This song probably dates from the mid-19th century, when, as Paddy Tunneysays, "every Irish port had an emigrant ship". The reference to the Bann's Banks helps to locate the song. Craigie Hill is written largely in the 'conversation' form which was popular in the 19th century. The tribulations of life in Ireland, oppressed by 'the landlords and their agents' are contrasted with the bright prospects in America where one may be 'as happy as Queen Victoria'.