Lyrics:

(traditional).

I wish i was in carrickfergus
Only for nights in ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
Just to see my love before i die
But the sea is wide and i cannot swim over
Nor have i wings so i could fly
I wish i could meet a handsome boatman
To carry me over my love and i
In kilkenny it is reported
On marble stones as black as ink
With gold and silver i did support her
But i'll sing no more till i've had a drink
Well i'm drunk today and i'm seldom sober
A handsome rover from town to town
But i am sick now my days are numbered
Come all you young men and lay me down
Come all you young men and lay me down