I wish I was in Carrigfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrant
I would swim over the deepest ocean
Over the ocean for my love to find
But the sea is wide and I can’t swim over
Nor have I the wings to fly
I wish I could find me handsome boatsman
To ferry me over, my love and I.
My childhood days bring back sad reflections
Of happy times I spent so long ago
My boyhood friends and my own relations
Have all passed on now like melting snow.
But I’ll spend my days in endless roaming
Soft is the grass, my bed is free.
Ah, to be back now in Carrigfergus
On that long road down to the sea.
Now in Kilkenny, it is reported
A marble stone there as black as ink
With gold and silver I would support her
But I’ll sing no more now ’till I get a drink.
Cause I’m drunk today, and I’m seldom sober
A handsome rover from town to town
Ah, but I’m sick now and my days are numbered
Come all you young maids and lay me down.
