I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
Only for nights in Ballygrand
But the sea is wide and I cannot cross over
And neither have I the wings to fly
I wish I could meet a handsome boatman
To ferry me over to my love and die

But in Kilkenny, it is reported
They have marble stones there as black as ink
With gold and silver I would support her
But I'll sing no more now 'till I have a drink
For I'm drunk today, and I'm seldom sober
A handsome rover from town to town
Ah, but I'm sick now, my days are numbered
Come all you young men and lay me down.