Banks of the Bann (3) When first to this country a stranger I came I placed my affection in a girl that was young She being fair and tender, her waist small and slender 'Twas nature that 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 Oh it was her cruel parents that first caused a variance Because she is rich and above my degree But I do endeavor to gain my love's favor Although she is come of a high family oh, me name it is Delaney, it's a name that don't shame me And if I'd saved money I'd never have roamed But drinking and sporting, night rambling and courting Are the cause of all my ruin and me absence from home But had I the wealth that is in the Indies I'd put rings on her fingers and gold in her ears And there on the banks of the lovely Bann River In all kinds of splendor I'd live with my love. The tune is almost the same as "Slane" (Be Thou My Vision) Another song with a similar tune is "With My Love in the Road." LM
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!