Banks of the Bann Lyrics

When first to this country, a stranger I came
I placed my affections 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 Bannr, is where I first beheld her
She appeared like great Juno the fair Grecian queen
Her eyes shone like diamonds, her star softly shinin'
Her lips were like roses, or like blood drops in snow

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

My name it is Delaney, that's a name that won't shame me
If I had had money I would never have roamed
But the drinking and sporting, night rambling and courting
Were the cause of my ruin and absence from home

But now that I have gained her I'm happy forever
With rings on her fingers and gold in her ears
And now by the banks of the lovely Bann waters
In peace and contentment I live with my dear