Craigie Hill from Triantán by Triantán

It being in spring
And the small birds they were singing
Down by yon shady arbor
I carelessly did stray
The thrushes they were warbling
The violets were charming
For 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 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
For to comfort us hereafter
All in America.

The landlords and their agents
Their bailiffs and their beadles
The land of our forefathers
We’re forced for to give o’er
Now we’re sailing on the ocean
For honor and promotion
And we’re parting from our sweethearts
It’s them we do adore

If in your bed you’re lying
And thinking of dying
One sight of the bonny Bann banks
Your sorrows you’d give o’er
For 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 often times I’ve roved in
I never thought in my childhood days
I’d part you any more
Now we’re sailing on the ocean
For honour and promotion
And our bonny boats are sailing
Way down by Doolin’s shore

• Folk
• acappella
• choral
• environment
• political
• traditional
• Sydney