The Banks Of The Bann

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 that 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