I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
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
If I could find me a handsome boatman
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 past on now like melting snow
But I spend my days in endless roaming
Soft is the grass, my bed is free
Ah to be back now, in Carrickfergus
On that long road, down to the sea
Now in Kilkenny it is reported
On marble stone there as black as ink
With gold and silver, I would support her
But I'll sing no more now til 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 ye young maids, and lay me down
Come all ye young maids, and lay me down