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 young and tender, her waist small and slender
Kind nature had formed her for my overthrow

On the banks of the Bann, where I first beheld her
She appeared like fair Juno or a Grecian queen
Her eyes shone like diamonds, her hair softly twining
Her cheeks were like roses or blood drops in snow

'Twas her cruel parents that first caused our variance
All because I was poor and of a low degree
But I'll do my endeavour to gain my love's favour
Although she is come from a rich family

My name is Delaney, a name that won't shame me
And if I had saved money, I'd have plenty in store
But drinking and courting, night rambling and sporting
Are the cause of my ruin and absence from home

Had I all the money that's in the West Indies
Or had I the gold of the African shore
I would spend it on pearls and on you my brown girl
For there's no other love on this earth I adore

Now since I have gained her I'm contented for life
I'll put rings on her fingers and gold in her ear
We'll live on the banks of the lovely Bann river
And in all sorts of splendour I will style her my dear