THE BANKS OF THE BANN

When first to this country a stranger I came
I laid my attentions on a girl who was young
Her eyes warm and tender her waist small and slender
She was one of the finest in the world I had seen


Twas on the Banks of the Bann that first I met her
She seemed like an angel or Egypt's fair queen
Her eyes like diamonds or pearls softly gleaming
Sure heaven had made her for my overthrow.

It was her cruel parents that first caused our variance
Because they are rich and of high degree
(0r Because I am poor and of low degree)
But I'll do my endeavour to win my love's favour
Although she is born of a high pedigree.

My name is Delaney it's a name that won't shame me
And if I'd had money I'd never have roamed
But gambling and sporting, night rambling and courting
Were the cause of my downfall and absence from home.

If I had the riches that are found in the Indies
I'd put rings on her fingers and pearls in her ears
And there on the banks of the lovely Bann river
In all kinds of splendour I would live with my dear.


From memory. I think it's fairly accurate.