Banks of the Bann

When first to this country a stranger I came
I laid my affections on a girl that was young
She being fair and tender, her waist small and slender
Fond nature had formed her for my overthrow

On the banks of the Bann it was there I first met her
She appeared like an angel or Egypt's fair queen
Her eyes were like diamonds or stars brightly shining
She's one of the fairest in the world that I've seen

It was her cruel parents that first caused a variance
Because they are rich and above my degree
But I'll do my endeavour to gain my love's favour
Although she is come of a high family

My name is Delaney, it's a name that won't shame me
And if I'd saved money I would never have roamed
But drinking and sporting, night rambling and courting
Are the cause of all me ruin and absence from home

Now had I the riches that are in the Indies
I'd put rings on her fingers and gold in her ears
It's there on the banks of the lovely Bann River
In all kinds of splendour I'd live with my dear