Banks Of The Bann Songtext

When first unto this country a stranger I came I laid my affections on a maid that was young She being young and tender, her waist small and slender Cruel nature had formed her for my overthrow Twas on the banks of the Bann, it was there I first met her She appeared like some Venus or Egypt's fair queen Her eyes like the diamonds in the dew softly shining She's the fairest of all in this wide world I hold It was her cruel parents that caused us such varience Because I am poor and of low degree But I'll do my endeavour to gain my love's favour Although she is come from a high family Had I but the jewels that are in the Indies Or had I but riches and money in store It's there on the banks of the lovely Bann river In all kinds of splendour I'd live with my dear My name it is Delaney, it's a name that won't shame me And if I'd had money, I'd ne'er had to roam But drinking and sporting, night rambling and courting Are the cause of my ruin and absence from home